SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Terrorism Act

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Solicitor-General, pursuant to her answer of 3 December 2001, Official Report, column 106W, how many and what prosecutions have been initiated under section 54 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in (a) Great Britain and (b) Northern Ireland; and how many of these charges in each jurisdiction concern (i) Northern Ireland conflict related offences and (ii) international terrorism.

Harriet Harman: One prosecution has been initiated under section 54 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in England and Wales and that prosecution relates to international terrorism.
	The Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland has informed me that he is not aware of any prosecutions being initiated in Northern Ireland under section 54 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Terrorism Act

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Solicitor-General, further to the Secretary of State for the Home Department's answer of 3 December 2001, Official Report, column 106W, on the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2000, (a) how many and (b) what prosecutions have been initiated under section 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in (i) Great Britain and (ii) Northern Ireland; how many of these charges in each jurisdiction concern (a) Northern Ireland conflict related offences and (b) international terrorism.

Harriet Harman: The Terrorism Act 2000 came into force on 19 February 2001.
	Prosecutions for a total of 51 offences have been initiated in England and Wales under sections 11 to 18 of the Act, of which 15 offences relate to the affairs of Northern Ireland and 35 offences relate to international terrorism. Further details are given as follows:
	Section 11
	Five offences related to international terrorism.
	One offence related to the affairs of Northern Ireland.
	Section 12
	One offence related to international terrorism.
	Section 13
	One offence related to international terrorism.
	Section 14
	This section does not include an offence.
	Section 15
	One offence related to international terrorism.
	Nine offences related to the affairs of Northern Ireland. This figure is made up of three separate cases in which three defendants are charged with s.15 offences.
	Conspiracy to commit an offence under s.15
	Four offences related to international terrorism. This figure is made up of two separate cases in which two defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit an offence under s.15.
	Section 16
	16 offences related to international terrorism. This figure is made up of two separate cases in which eight defendants are charged with section 16 offences.
	Conspiracy to commit an offence under section 16
	Four offences related to international terrorism. This figure is made up of two separate cases in which two defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit an offence under s.16.
	Section 17
	One offence related to international terrorism.
	Six prosecutions have been initiated for offences related to the affairs of Northern Ireland. This figure is made up of two separate cases in which three defendants are charged with section 17 offences.
	Conspiracy to commit an offence under section 17
	Two offences related to international terrorism. This figure is made up of one case in which two defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit section 17 offences.
	The Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland is aware of only one prosecution being initiated in Northern Ireland under sections 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Terrorism Act 2000. That prosecution was under section 11(1) of the Act and was connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland.

PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

Ministerial Transport

Bob Russell: To ask the President of the Council when he last used the railway service in connection with his official duties; what station he left from and what was the destination; and whether it is his intention to make greater use of the railways in future.

Robin Cook: By definition, my role as Leader of the House of Commons is largely confined to London. However, since 1 November I have travelled by rail on non- departmental business from London to York, Cheltenham and Brussels and from Edinburgh to Lockerbie.
	I intend to visit the National Assembly for Wales shortly to discuss their procedures and will travel to Cardiff by rail.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Public Bodies

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  if he will list those public bodies to which his Department appoints members and which are not listed in Public Bodies 2000;
	(2)  if he will list those public bodies which are the responsibility of his Department and which are not listed in Public Bodies 2000.

John Reid: The bodies which my Department has responsibility for and appoints members to, which are not listed in Public Bodies 2000 are as follows:
	Non-departmental Public Bodies
	Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel
	Northern Ireland Policing Board 1
	Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland 2
	Other Bodies
	Chief Electoral Officer for NI
	Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures
	Independent Commissioner for Detained Terrorist Suspects
	International Fund for Ireland 3
	Life Sentence Review Commissioners
	Oversight Commissioner
	Sentence Review Commissioners
	1 Replaced Police Authority for Northern Ireland on 4 November 2001
	2 Replaced Independent Commission for Police Complaints on 6 November 2000
	3 Board members of the Fund are appointed jointly by the British and Irish Governments.

Local Bodies

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those local bodies which were set up under legislation which is the responsibility of his Department since May 1997.

John Reid: My Department has set up the following bodies since May 1997:
	Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel
	Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
	Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
	Policing Board for Northern Ireland 1
	Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland 2
	Life Sentence Review Commissioners
	Oversight Commissioner
	Sentence Review Commissioners
	1 Replaced Police Authority for Northern Ireland on 4 November 2001
	2 Replaced Independent Commission for Police Complaints on 6 November 2000

Dublin Bombing (1974)

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what request he has received for assistance from the Irish Government's Independent Commission of Inquiry into the 1974 Dublin bombing; when the request was received; what his response was; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: An initial request was received by my predecessor from Mr. Justice Barron on 21 November 2000 asking for assistance in his Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Dublin, Monaghan and Dundalk bombings of 1974. All relevant Government Departments and agencies have been engaged in a comprehensive trawl of their files to establish what material may still be in existence. This has required an extremely time consuming manual trawl of a huge number of files.
	I met Mr. Justice Barron on 17 January to update him on the matter and I hope to be able to respond substantively to his request in the near future.

Electoral Arrangements

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will begin the review of the electoral and structural arrangements deriving from the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: The recently completed Strand One Review, which looked at Assembly electoral arrangements, concluded that this issue should be looked at again in the review provided for under paragraph 8 of the Validation, Implementation and Review section of the Belfast Agreement. As yet, no start date has been agreed but the Government intend to discuss this with the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly parties.

Electoral Arrangements

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will next meet David Ford, leader of the Alliance party of Northern Ireland, to discuss matters relating to electoral arrangements for First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: No such meeting has been scheduled or, indeed, requested.
	We have just completed a three month Review of Assembly voting procedures under the provisions contained in paragraph 36 of the Strand One section of the Belfast Agreement. This was a constructive process, which helped clarify the issues for all participants. Furthermore, it was agreed at the conclusion of the review that this subject should be looked at again during the review of Assembly arrangements provided for in paragraph 8 of the Validation Implementation and Review section of the agreement.
	We have yet to decide when this review should beginI shall need to discuss this with the Irish Government and with the Assembly parties. I expect to meet David Ford in his capacity as leader of the Alliance party as a part of this process.

Trial Records

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how long trial records are kept for those charged with terrorist acts; what difference there is between the records kept for those found (a) guilty and (b) not guilty; and what the time limits are for keeping records for trials of (i) terrorists in Northern Ireland and (ii) other criminal trials.

Rosie Winterton: I have been asked to reply.
	All records in relation to Crown court hearings in Northern Ireland are preserved permanently, as is the case for such records in England and Wales. Records in relation to magistrates courts in Northern Ireland are normally destroyed after 15 years, with the exception of records containing entries for a census year which are retained permanently. Retention schedules for records of magistrates courts in England and Wales are different.
	There is no difference between the records kept for those found guilty and those found not guilty in criminal trials either terrorist or non-terrorist.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid to Afghanistan for reconstruction will be given (a) bilaterally and (b) through the European Union.

Clare Short: As I announced at the Conference on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan earlier this week in Tokyo, the UK has committed a further 200 million over the next five financial years for both reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.
	The European Commission (EC) has pledged euro 200 million (125 million) for 2002. It intends to propose to the European Union's budgetary authority to provide assistance at a comparable level in the subsequent four years, totalling approximately euro 1 billion (600 million) over the period 200206. The UK share of EC contributions is 20 per cent.which is charged to the DFID budget.

Afghanistan

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will report on the outcome of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Conference held in Tokyo on January 21 and 22, with particular reference to meeting the needs of Afghan women.

Clare Short: I refer my hon. Friend to the oral statement I made to the House this afternoon at columns 2136.

Afghanistan

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contributions the United Kingdom (a) has made and (b) has committed itself to make to the costs of creating and supporting the interim Government of Afghanistan (i) bilaterally and (ii) through agencies of the (A) United Nations and (B) European Union.

Clare Short: We have set aside 20 million in this financial year to support the Interim Administration and the United Nations-led transitional recovery and rehabilitation process, while continuing to respond to humanitarian needs. This further support follows on from the 40 million of emergency humanitarian relief assistance that we have already provided to UN agencies, the Red Cross and NGOs since September 2001.
	Our support to date has included 1 million to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General to support peacemaking efforts and the establishment of the Afghan Interim Administration. We have also contributed $3 million (2.075 million) to support the costs of the Interim Administration, including civil servants' salaries, through the UNDP-administered trust fund.
	As I announced at the Conference on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan earlier this week in Tokyo, the UK has committed a further 200 million ($288 million) over the next five financial years for both reconstruction and humanitarian assistance.
	This pledge is in addition to the significant sums that the UK contributes to the World Bank, European Union and Asian Development bank who will also be channelling funds into Afghanistan over coming years. The European Commission has pledged 125 million for 2002, of which the UK share, which is charged to DFID's budget, is 20 per cent.

Departmental Expenditure (Publications)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her estimate is of the expenditure of her Department on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last four years.

Clare Short: The Department's core, central expenditure on newspaper and periodicals (journals and magazines) is as follows.
	
		 
		
			  Newspapers Periodicals 
		
		
			 199798 4,786 57,639 
			 199899 4,736 61,901 
			 19992000 5,748 65,660 
			 200001 2,540 97,824 
		
	
	The decline in expenditure on newspapers in 200001 reflects the decentralisation of non-core provision to Departments and country offices. The rise in expenditure on periodicals in the same year reflects the electronic provision of certain periodicals, which are now more easily available to a larger proportion of DFID's UK- based and overseas staff.

World Bank Loans

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received on replacing World Bank loans to the world's poorest countries with grants.

Clare Short: The US Administration are advocating that the World Bank arm that provides assistance to low-income countries should cease to focus on 40-year highly concessional loans and instead provide at least 50 per cent. grant. This proposal is opposed by all other countries. It would severely deplete the resources available to IDA and undermine the Poverty Reduction Strategy Process, which has led to greatly improved effectiveness in development partnerships in recent years. I have not received any direct representations in support of this proposal, but the issue has been discussed in many forums. The Government of the United States of America have made representations at official level. The UKalong with many other countries that contribute resources to IDAbelieves that we should protect and enhance IDA's existing role as the largest provider of concessional finance to the world's poorest countries and that grant should be provided by bi-lateral donors in a way which complements IDA lending.

Debt Reduction

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the role of debt reduction in achieving 2015 goals on poverty reduction.

Clare Short: In the 41 heavily indebted poor countries, the heavy burden of servicing debt reduces the resources available for tackling poverty and offsets the benefits of development assistance. There is in these countries a strong link between debt relief and poverty reduction. Following debt relief, the social expenditures of HIPC countries are projected to rise by an average of some $1.7 billion per year. On average, a quarter of this increased social expenditure will go towards health schemes directed at HIV/AIDS and diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, with 40 per cent. being directed towards education. HIPC countries will spend on average much more on such priority social investments than on debt service. This will directly benefit the poor in those countries.
	However, while debt relief for the HIPC countries is a necessary condition for poverty reduction, it is not enough. Huge numbers of poor people live in countries which are not heavily indebted, particularly in south Asia. It is vital that their needs are not neglected as a result of our efforts to help the HIPC countries. In addition to debt relief, many other factors are important for reducing poverty. These include the Governments' own policies, the levels of development assistance they receive and their ability to attract foreign direct investment, to capture the benefits of trade and to create an environment where the domestic private sector can flourish. The UK is working to address all of these at the international level and through our partnerships with developing countries.

Volcanic Eruption, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Foreign Office concerning the recent volcanic eruption in Goma; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure a co-ordinated approach with the Foreign Office on the provision of aid to those affected by the disaster.

Clare Short: My Department has been in regular consultation with our embassies in Kigali and Kinshasa. DFID and the FCO work closely together on issues affecting the region.

TREASURY

Working Families Tax Credit

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from the inception of the working families tax credit to date, what the average number of working days for the processing of applications for working families tax credit from families in the Perth constituency has been; and what the UK average is.

Dawn Primarolo: The figures requested are not available for individual constituencies, or as an average for the period since working families tax credit began in 1999. For the 12 months ending 31 December 2001, the average number of days taken to process a working families tax credit application in Great Britain was 14.5.

Working Families Tax Credit

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applications for working families tax credit from families in the Perth constituency in the last 12 months have not been dealt with within the average number of working days for the processing of applications from families in Perth constituency.

Dawn Primarolo: The figures requested are not available for individual constituencies.

Working Families Tax Credit

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what has been the average sum paid out by way of compensation to applicants for working families tax credit in the Perth constituency in the last year for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many applications from the Perth constituency have received compensatory payments from the Inland Revenue with respect to delays in the processing of their working families tax credit applications.

Dawn Primarolo: The Inland Revenue Code of Practice allows for certain exceptional payments to be made to working families tax credit (WFTC) applicants to recognise the effects of unreasonable delays in paying their tax credit entitlement. Figures are not available for such payments broken down by individual constituency. However, available records show that, since WFTC began in October 1999 to date, no such payments have been made to any WFTC applicants in Perthshire.

VAT (Sports and Leisure)

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce further relief from value added tax for local authority sport and leisure facilities; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Boateng: Decisions on taxation are considered on an annual basis as part of the Chancellor's overall Budget judgment.

Aggregates Tax

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has discussed with the Scotland Office the implementation of the aggregates tax in Scotland.

Paul Boateng: The Government have received a large number of representations regarding the aggregates levy, and have held discussions regarding its implementation with a wide range of organisations both within and outside Government.

Budget Statement

Barbara Follett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to deliver his Budget Statement.

Gordon Brown: On Wednesday 17 April.

Unemployment Benefits

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are claiming benefits relating to unemployment; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter to Miss Anne McIntosh from Len Cook, dated 28 January 2002:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question regarding the number of people claiming benefits relating to unemployment. (28641)
	The claimant count consists of all people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or National Insurance credits at Employment Service local offices. They must declare that they are out of work, capable of, available for and actively seeking work during the week in which their claim is made.
	The latest available figure relates to December 2001, when the seasonally adjusted claimant count for the United Kingdom was 963,500.

Drug Smuggling

David Lidington: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent action he has taken to prevent and deter drug smuggling from Jamaica to the United Kingdom.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 15 January 2002
	In partnership with police and immigration, Customs closely target flights, including those from Jamaica, identified as having a high risk of drug trafficking. Customs also work closely with Jamaican colleagues to help identify and arrest couriers before they board their flight to the UK. Customs are in discussion with the Jamaican authorities and others to improve the overall effectiveness of action to tackle cocaine supply from Jamaica. The UK also supports interdiction activity in the Caribbean area to stop bulk consignments of cocaine reaching Jamaica for onward shipment to the UK.

Accidental Deaths (Children)

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many children died in accidents away from home, other than road deaths, in each of the last five years for which figures are available in the age groups (a) zero to seven, (b) eight to 13 and (c) 14 to 18 years; and if he will classify them in terms of (i) holiday or adventure related, (ii) work or work related and (iii) other.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter to Bob Russell from Len Cook, dated 28 January 2002:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question concerning the number of children dying of accidents away from home, other than road deaths, in the last five years in the age groups (a) zero to seven, (b) eight to 13, and (c) 14 to 18 years, and if these can be classified into (i) holiday or adventure related, (ii) work or work related, and (iii) other. (29743)
	The answer to parts (a) to (c) are given in the table below:
	
		Number of deaths occurring away from the home caused by accidents other than road deaths(1), persons by age group, England and Wales, 19962000
		
			 Age group 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 07 years(2) 20 18 11 23 12 
			 813 years 24 23 21 18 19 
			 1418 years 40 33 31 26 31 
		
	
	(1) International Classification of Diseases. Ninth Revision, codes E850-E869, E880-E928, E929.2-E929.9
	(2) Excludes deaths under 28 days
	Note:
	Data are for occurrences of death per calendar year. Latest year's data are for 2000.
	It is not possible to provide figures for whether these deaths were (i) holiday or adventure related,(ii) work or work related, or (iii) other.

Accidental Deaths (Children)

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many children died in accidents in the home, other than fire, in each of the last five years for which figures are available in the age groups (a) zero to seven, (b) eight to 13 and (c) 14 to 18 years.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter to Bob Russell from Len Cook, dated 28 January 2002:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question concerning the number of children dying of accidents in the home, other than fire related, in the last five years in the age groups (a) zero to seven, (b) eight to 13, and (c) 14 to 18 years. (29742)
	The answer is given in the table below:
	
		Number of deaths in the home(3) occurring from accidents other than fire(4), persons by age group, England and Wales, 19962000
		
			   Age group  
			  07 years(5) 813 years 1418 years 
		
		
			 1996 67 8 37 
			 1997 50 16 50 
			 1998 55 17 42 
			 1999 75 18 37 
			 2000 63 11 38 
		
	
	(3) Includes the category 'Residential institution'. Deaths are only coded for place of occurrence of accident for selected ICD9 codes where there was an inquest.
	(4) International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, (ICD9) codes E850-E869, E880-E888, E900-E928, E929.2-E929.9 (excluding E929.4).
	(5) Excludes deaths under 28 days.
	Note:
	Data are for occurrences of death per calendar year. Latest year's data are for 2000

Tax Evasion

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) individuals and (b) businesses were investigated for tax evasion in the constituency of Buckingham in each year since 1997.

Dawn Primarolo: Inland Revenue records show the number of inquiries made into tax returns by its offices. However, the geographical ranges of Inland Revenue offices, particularly specialist offices, do not correspond to parliamentary constituencies.
	So while there is a record of the number of inquiries undertaken by offices located within parliamentary constituencies, it will not follow that those inquiries relate to individuals and businesses resident or operating within those constituencies. Similarly, offices outside constituency boundaries will undertake inquiries into the returns of individuals and businesses within those boundaries.
	Consequently, no meaningful figures are available of the number of inquiries into the returns of individuals and businesses within the constituency of Buckingham.

Public Works Loan Board

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Public Works Loan Board's interest rate on new loans is and what the rate has been in each of the last five years.

Ruth Kelly: The interest rate applied to a new PWLB loan is dependent on the maturity of the loan, the method of repayment the authority has chosen and the underlying gilt yield curve. It is also affected by the progress a local authority has made in applying its provisions set aside to meet credit liabilities.
	The range of PWLB interest rates applicable at 22 January in each of the last five years was:
	1998: 6 1 / 8 to 7 9 / 1 6 per cent.
	1999: 4 3 / 8 to 5 1 3 / 1 6 per cent.
	2000: 5 1 / 4 to 6 3 / 4 per cent.
	2001: 4 3 / 4 to 5 1 / 2 per cent.
	2002: 4 1 / 1 6 to 5 1 / 4 per cent.

Terrorism

Harry Cohen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a list of organisations whose assets have been frozen under powers taken following 11 September with the reason for the action in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 24 January 2002
	The Government are committed to the fight against terrorism and since the events of 11 September 2001 have led by example in issuing asset freeze lists against individuals and organisations. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373, issued on 28 September 2001, calls on states to freeze the funds and financial assets of persons or entities involved in terrorism.
	The resolution is implemented in the UK by an Order in Council (SI 3365/2001) and where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an organisation is involved in the financing of terrorism the Government will not hesitate to meet their international obligations by freezing their assets.
	Listed are the 34 organisations subject to an assets freeze under the UN order:
	1. Abu Nidal Organisation (ANO)
	2. Afghan Support Committee (ASC)
	3. Aum Shinrikyo
	4. Babbar Khalsa
	5. Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)
	6. Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA)
	7. Gama'a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group)
	8. Hamas-Izz al-Din al-Quassem
	9. Hizballah External Security Organisation
	10. Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development
	11. International Sikh Youth Federation
	12. Kahane Chai (Kach)
	13. Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Chairman Abdullah Ocalan
	14. Lashkar e Tayyaba
	15. Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
	16. Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF)
	17. Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO)
	18. National Liberation Army (ELN)
	19. Orange Volunteers (OV)
	20. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
	21. Palestine Liberation Front (PLF)
	22. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
	23. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command
	24. Real IRA
	25. Red Hand Defenders (RHD)
	26. Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS)
	27. Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
	28. Revoluntionary Nuclei (formerly ELA)
	29. Revolutionary Organisation 17 November
	30. Revolutionary People's Liberation Army/Front/Party (DHKP/C)
	31. Shining Path
	32. Ulster Defence Association/Ulster Freedom Fighters (UDA/ UFF)
	33. Ummah Tameer E-Nau (UTN)
	34. United Self-Defense Forces/Group of Colombia (AUC).

Terrorism

Harry Cohen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the freezing of assets of an organisation whose administration address is a house in Leyton.

Ruth Kelly: holding answer 24 January 2002
	A charitable organisation in Leyton has had its assets frozen by the Charity Commission under the Charities Act 1993.

National Minimum Wage

Jeff Ennis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Barnsley, East and Mexborough received the recent increase in the national minimum wage.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter to Jeff Ennis from Len Cook, dated 28 January 2002:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of people in Barnsley East and Mexborough who have received the increase in the national minimum wage. (30525)
	Estimates for Parliamentary Constituencies are not available.
	Estimates for the United Kingdom and Government Office Regions are posted on the National Statistics website at: http:// www.statistics.gov.uk/themes/labour_market/pay_and_earnings/ measuring_low_pay.asp

National Minimum Wage

Frank Roy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Motherwell and Wishaw received the recent increase in the national minimum wage.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Frank Roy, dated 28 January 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of people in Motherwell and Wishaw who have received the increase in the national minimum wage (NMW). (30860)
	Estimates for Parliamentary Constituencies are not available.
	Estimates for the United Kingdom and Government Office Regions are posted on the National Statistics website at: http:// www.statistics.gov.uk/themes/labour_market/pay_and_earnings/ measuring_low_pay.asp.

Ministerial Transport

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last used the railway service in connection with his official duties; what station he left from and what was the destination; and whether it is his intention to make greater use of the railways in future.

Gordon Brown: I use railway services for both official duties and in a private capacity.
	I last used the railway service for official duties on 5 July 2001 to travel to Brighton for the Transport and General Workers Union Conference. All arrangements for official travel are made in line with the guidance set out in Chapter 7 of the Ministerial Code, and the accompanying guidance document Travel by Ministers, using the most efficient and cost effective mode of transport, and bearing in mind security considerations.
	I will continue to use the railway for official and private travel as appropriate.

Employment Statistics

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 8 January 2002, Official Report, columns 79798W, on employment in the Buckingham constituency, what the average figures for working age employment in the UK were in each year from 1997 to 2001.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Bercow, dated 28 January 2002
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the proportion of working age people in employment in the United Kingdom. (30126)
	The Labour Force Survey (LFS) provides estimates of the employment rate of working age people (ie men aged 1664 and women aged 1659). The annual estimates for the United Kingdom for each year from 1997/8 to 2000/1 are given in the table overleaf.
	
		Working age(6) employment rates(7): United Kingdom 199798 to 200001 -- Not seasonally adjusted
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 March 1997 to February 1998 72.8 
			 March 1998 to February 1999 73.5 
			 March 1999 to February 2000 73.8 
			 March 2000 to February 2001 74.1 
		
	
	(6) Men aged 1664 and women aged 1659
	(7) Total employed of working age as a percentage of all persons of working age
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey (annual LADB dataset)

DEFENCE

Afghanistan

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many C130Ks are being used in the deployment in Afghanistan; how many flying hours per week they are flying; and whether that can be increased.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 11 January 2002
	The number of C130Ks deployed to support operations in Afghanistan has varied with time, depending on operational requirements. As of 20 January, eight C130Ks were deployed. Flying hours vary depending on the operational requirement; between 13 and 19 January the deployed aircraft averaged 30 hours per week. There is no operational reason at present to increase the numbers of hours flown by each aircraft but, if it were necessary, the deployment of additional crews would allow us to do so.

Afghanistan

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he has made to enable parcels to be sent to forces in Afghanistan.

Adam Ingram: We consider delivery of mail to all overseas personnel, including parcels, to be a high priority. Accordingly, a BFPO number has been assigned to Afghanistan, and parcels can be sent at reduced rates. Mail is delivered as frequently as possible using the military aircraft deploying and sustaining the UK armed forces personnel in country, within the constraints of operational imperatives.

Fixed-wing Aircraft

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence further to his answer of 5 December 2001, Official Report, column 359W, on fixed wing aircraft, how many and what type of fixed wing aircraft there were in the Royal Air Force in each year from 1985 to 2000; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 13 December 2001
	The best available set of centrally held figures denoting the size of the RAF's fixed wing aircraft fleet for the period from 1985 to 1991 inclusive, is the 'RAF Form STATS 1003'. I will place a copy of these figures in the Library of the House.
	Ministry of Defence annually published figures for the years 19922000 are contained in either the Statement on Defence Estimates or the MOD Performance report, copies of which are in the Library of the House. Specific references are as follows:
	1992: The Statement on the Defence Estimatespages 9092 inclusive
	1993: The Statement on the Defence Estimatespages 99101 inclusive
	1994: The Statement on the Defence Estimatespages 102104 inclusive
	1995: The Statement on the Defence Estimatespages 131133 inclusive
	1996: The Statement on the Defence EstimatesAnnexe D D1-D5
	1997: MOD Performance Reportpages 6367 inclusive
	1998: MOD Performance Reportpages 6367
	1999: MOD Performance ReportAnnexe B B8-B13
	2000: MOD Performance ReportAnnexe B, pages 6972.

Combatants (Minimum Age)

Matthew Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the youngest age is at which someone can (a) join the armed forces and (b) take part in operations.

Adam Ingram: The lowest age at which people are able to join the armed forces is 16 years. Applicants under the age of 18 years require the formal consent of their parents or guardians before they are permitted to join.
	No service personnel under the age of 17 are deployed on operations. No personnel under the age of 18 carry out operational patrols in Northern Ireland, although 17-year-olds can be based in the Province. Under-18s are not deployed as aircrew or in submarines.
	In line with United Nations (UN) policy, we do not deploy personnel under the age of 18 on UN peacekeeping operations.
	We are currently finalising detailed administrative procedures and guidelines for the armed forces to give concrete form to the United Kingdom's commitment made on signing Optional Protocol II of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to take all feasible measures to ensure that personnel under the age of 18 do not take a direct part in hostilities.

Army Complement

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) the official complement and (b) the actual numbers in post in the Army are, broken down by regiment and other section headings.

Adam Ingram: The information is not centrally held in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However details on the current United Kingdom Trained Adult Personnel (UKTAP) manning state by arm/service as at 1 December 2001 are in the table.
	
		Current UKTAP manning state by arm/service at 1 December 2001 (including Gurkhas and full-time reserve service)
		
			   Officers  Soldiers  
			 Arm/service Liability Strength Liability Strength 
		
		
			 Staff 715 758   
			 Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps 861 815 5,011 4,915 
			 Royal Artillery 1,062 1,020 7,439 6,947 
			 Royal Engineers 1,139 1,107 7,662 7,417 
			 Royal Signals 952 875 7,586 7,111 
			 Infantry 2,766 2,786 23,971 22,675 
			 Army Air Corps 459 411 1,309 1,319 
			 Royal Army Chaplains Department 148 144   
			 Royal Logistic Corps 1,653 1,583 15,022 13,152 
			 Royal Army Medical Corps 882 661 2,040 1,869 
			 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 875 817 9,856 8,360 
			 Adjutant General Corps (Provost) 214 178 1,895 1,895 
			 Adjutant General Corps (Staff Personnel Support) 488 441 4,345 4,036 
			 Adjutant General Corps (Education and Training Corps) 335 315   
			 Adjutant General Corps (Army Legal Service) 90 88   
			 Royal Army Veterinary Corps 23 21 146 126 
			 Small Arms Service Corps 31 30 112 122 
			 Royal Army Dental Corps 149 127 271 240 
			 Intelligence Corps 258 245 1,011 1,005 
			 Army Physical Training Corps 50 50 354 362 
			 General List  1   
			 Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps 343 284 610 404 
			 Corps of Army Music 35 36 1,120 993 
			 Long Service List   638 577 
			 Unallocated  2   
			 UKTAP total 13,528 12,795 90,398 83,525 
			 Gurkhas 116 128 2,931 3,455 
			 Full-time Reserve Service  339  562 
			  
			 Whole Army total 13,644 13,262 93,329 87,542 
			   
			 Whole Army trained strength100,804 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The officer strength figures exclude 105 mobilised reservists.
	2. The soldier strength figures exclude 646 mobilised reservists.
	3. The liability figures are based on the Manpower Planning Targets (MPT) for 2001.
	4. Gurkha liability does not include an addback against UKTAP undermanning of 409 or 22 non-established posts (two officers and 20 soldiers).

Pensions

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate has been made of the cost to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme of maintaining the early pension point; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Under the terms of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, an Immediate Pension (IP) is paid to scheme members much earlier than most other schemes. This is to allow the services to retain the expertise of personnel who might otherwise leave during their thirties, while also recognising the needs of those to whom the services cannot offer further employment from around the age of 40.
	In reviewing the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS), we have considered a number of alternatives to the current IP point and their effect on recruitment and retention. It was concluded that any significant delay in the IP point would require costly alternative retention measures likely to outweigh any savings from such a delay. The confidence of the services in the efficacy of the early IP as a well-proven manning tool led to the conclusion that it would not be sensible to undertake a costing of alternative measures or therefore a net costing of the early IP. The provisional conclusions of the review, issued for public consultation in March of last year, therefore recommended only a small change should be made to the IP point, to provide a common point at age 40 (or after 18 years service, whichever is later) for officers and other ranks.

Pensions

Kerry Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to assist ex-service men who were unable to join a pension scheme during their Army careers; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: There are no plans to make retrospective pension provision for ex-service men who were unable to join a pension scheme during their service careers.
	Prior to 1975, when the pension arrangements for the armed forces were brought into line with the Social Security Act 1973, there were no legal requirements for pensions to be preserved for those who left before meeting the qualifying period for payment of pension. Officers leaving the service without completing 16 years' service after age 21 and other ranks leaving without completing 22 years' service after age 18 were not entitled to a pension. Officers who left with between nine and 16 years of service and other ranks with between 12 and 22 years of service were, however, paid a gratuity in lieu of pension. Those who left with less service had no pension rights.
	There was no distinction between service personnel and members of both public and private pension schemes with regard to the fact that there was no requirement until 1975 for preservation of pension benefits for those who left before the retirement age of the scheme. It has been the long-standing policy of successive Governments that individuals should be treated under the rules of the pension scheme applying at the time they retire. Improvements to benefits were therefore restricted to those currently in service and were not made retrospective.

Pensions

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) RAF and Royal Marine officers, (b) Navy officers and (c) Army officers have retired before receiving a full pension, after serving for over 10 years, in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The numbers of officers who have retired from the three services before completing the 34 years necessary for full pension, but having served for more than 10 years are as follows:
	
		
			  1 November 1998 to 31 October 1999 1 November 1999 to 31 October 2000 1 November 2000 to 31 October 2001 
		
		
			 Naval Service and Royal Marines 327 322 278 
			 Army 433 445 461 
			 RAF 450 420 524 
		
	
	Royal Marine figures are only held as part of the Royal Navy figures.

Gurkhas

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what impact the commitment of British troops in Afghanistan will have on his plans for recruiting more Gurkhas.

Adam Ingram: None. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 19 October 2001, Official Report, column 1371W. There has been no change to the Gurkha recruitment plans outlined on that occasion.

Armed Forces (Marital Status)

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of serving military personnel in (a) the Army, (b) the Royal Air Force and (c) the Royal Navy are (i) single, (ii) married, (iii) divorced and (iv) separated listed by age ranges (1) 16 to 20, (2) 20 to 24, (3) 30 to 34, (4) 35 to 39, (5) 40 to 44, (6) 45 to 49, (7) 50 to 59 and (8) 60 and over; what percentage of force strength this represents in each age range; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 23 January 2002
	The current strength of UK regular forces by marital status and age range is as follows:
	
		
			 Age Single Percentage Married Percentage Divorced/ Separated Percentage Total 
		
		
			 Naval Service
			 24 and under 11,958 96.2 447 3.6 23 0.2 12,428 
			 2529 5,190 66.9 2,352 30.3 219 2.8 7,761 
			 3034 2,843 33.8 5,029 59.8 539 6.4 8,411 
			 3539 1,152 15.2 5,707 75.2 729 9.6 7,588 
			 4044 361 9.9 2,948 81.1 326 9.0 3,635 
			 45 and over 149 6.2 2,120 88.2 135 5.6 2,404 
			  
			 Grand total 21,653 51.3 18,603 44.1 1,971 4.7 42,227 
		
	
	
		
			 Age Single Percentage Married Percentage Divorced Percentage Widowed Percentage Total 
		
		
			 Army  
			 24 and under 40,029 89.4 4,663 10.4 65 0.1 3 0.0 44,760 
			 2529 10,933 49.8 10,475 47.7 553 2.5 5 0.0 21,966 
			 3034 3,409 17.4 15,050 76.8 1,127 5.8 17 0.1 19,603 
			 3539 1,040 7.0 12,725 86.0 1,038 7.0 17 0.1 14,820 
			 4044 219 4.5 4,379 89.5 293 6.0 14 0.3 4,905 
			 45 and over 117 3.4 3,218 93.5 108 3.1 24 0.7 3,467 
			  
			 Grand total 55,747 50.9 50,510 46.1 3,184 2.9 80 0.1 109,521 
		
	
	
		
			 Age Single Percentage Married Percentage Divorced Percentage Separated Percentage Widowed Percentage Total 
		
		
			 RAF
			 24 and under 10,528 90.0 1,072 9.2 8 0.1 89 0.8  0.0 11,697 
			 2529 4,653 52.9 3,607 41.0 180 2.0 360 4.1  0.0 8,800 
			 3034 2,392 21.0 7,601 66.6 615 5.4 787 6.9 13 0.1 11,408 
			 3539 903 8.4 8,477 79.0 672 6.3 662 6.2 15 0.1 10,729 
			 4044 287 4.9 4,975 84.3 325 5.5 298 5.1 14 0.2 5,899 
			 45 and over 124 2.7 4,154 89.4 201 4.3 137 2.9 30 0.6 4,646 
			  
			 Grand total 18,887 35.5 29,886 56.2 2,001 3.8 2,333 4.4 72 0.1 53,179 
		
	
	Source:
	DASA (Tri-Service)
	Separate divorced/separated figures are not available for the Naval service. Widowed figures are also not available for the Naval service. Separate figures are not available for the Army. These are included in the married figures. Figures are provided for the UK regular forces and show trained and untrained personnel including officers and other ranks. The figures exclude gurkhas, full time reserve service personnel, home service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists.

Plastic Baton Rounds

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 November 2001, Official Report, column 760W, on plastic baton rounds, what reasons HM forces have given for requiring guidelines for use at variance with those governing law enforcement officers engaged in joint operations.

Adam Ingram: The armed forces are deployed to Northern Ireland to provide military support to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which has primacy for security matters in the Province. Soldiers carry out their role using the same practices and procedures that are applicable to the rest of the British Army wherever they may be deployed in the world. While these practices and procedures may be different to those of the police, they are of a commensurate standard.
	As I have already stated in my answer of 27 November 2001, Official Report, column 760W, differences between the guidelines for the police and the Army on the use of baton rounds stem entirely from the differences in their respective operational structures and practices. There are therefore no plans to bring the guidelines exactly into line with the regime governing the use of those weapons by the police.

Plastic Baton Rounds

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 27 November 2001, Official Report, column 760W, on plastic baton rounds, how many plastic baton rounds have been fired in each overseas operational theatre since 1981; how many such firings have resulted in death and injury; and what compensation has been paid to victims of firings.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence's records show that there has been one occasion on which British forces have fired plastic baton rounds since 1981. On 1 February last year, 58 plastic baton rounds were fired during a public order incident at Mitrovica in Kosovo. We are not aware of any civilians being injured as a result of the firings or of any claims for compensation.

Plastic Baton Rounds

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many plastic baton rounds have been procured since 1981; and at what cost.

Adam Ingram: I am withholdings details of the number of plastic baton rounds procured in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. I am also withholding information on costs on the grounds of commercial confidentiality in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Gulf War Veterans

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria have to be met in order for British Gulf war veterans to be eligible for compensation from the UK Government.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 January 2002
	When claims for compensation are submitted they are considered on the basis of whether or not on the balance of probabilities the Ministry of Defence has a common law liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability arising from negligence to pay compensation we do so. The amount of compensation awarded is assessed in accordance with an individual's symptoms, degree of disability, personal circumstances and the levels being awarded by the courts in similar cases.
	The MOD has received about 2,000 notices of intention to claim from Gulf veterans and members of their families in respect of illness allegedly arising from the Gulf conflict, but no writs or claims of sufficient detail to be considered have been received.
	The War Pensions Agency also makes provision for ex-service personnel suffering from injury or disease attributable to their service in the form of a war pension and associated benefits.

Tendering Process

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on encouraging the employment of local contractors for new build projects on the UK mainland.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 25 January 2002
	The Ministry of Defence is pursuing greater efficiency in the delivery of services essential to maintain and develop the Defence Estate. To fulfil this objective we aim to involve industry in a broader way through public-private partnerships, and in particular the Prime Contracting Initiative.
	Prime Contracting should not be seen as a bar to local or smaller companies. A key feature is the development of supply chains with the capability to cover the full range of the activities required to deliver estate projects. It is envisaged that this will present significant opportunities for the involvement of local contractors.
	The greater efficiencies and better value for money will also allow more work to be completed for the Department, resulting in increased opportunities for those involved in its delivery. Where companies do not wish to bid for contracts in their own right as Prime Contractors, they are fully encouraged to be part of the supply chain. Opportunities for Prime Contracts will be advertised in the Works Services Opportunities Bulletin. Sub-contracts will also be advertised.
	The MOD fully supports the objectives laid out in the Office of Government Commerce publication Tendering for Government contracts which sets out the opportunities and benefits within the public sector for small and medium sized enterprises.

Special Educational Needs

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 336W, on special educational needs, how many married accompanied service personnel, not in receipt of boarding school allowance, are serving in areas (a) under SCE educational jurisdiction and (b) not under SCE educational jurisdiction.

Adam Ingram: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Defence Intelligence and Security Centre Agency

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the conclusions and recommendations of Phase I of the Quinquennial Review of the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre Agency; how many and what submissions were made to Phase I by stakeholders and other interested parties; if he will place a copy of the Phase I report in the Library; what the period to be allowed for consultation over the Phase I report is; and what is the projected Schedule leading up to the publication of the final Review.

Adam Ingram: Phase 1 of the Quinquennial Review of the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre is continuing.
	On completion, once its recommendations have been agreed, I will announce the outcome and place a copy of the summary report in the Library of the House.

Departmental Expenditure (Publications)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his estimate is of the expenditure of his Department on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last four years.

Lewis Moonie: Expenditure on commercial and HMSO publications, including newspapers and periodicals, by the Ministry of Defence in each of the last four years was as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year  million 
		
		
			 199798 6,910,298.74 
			 199899 8,204,787.64 
			 19992000 7,499,237.00 
			 200001 9,830,204.18

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Frank Cook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the purpose is of AWE's Billi-G project; what its cost is; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The Billi-G programme is one element in a suite of experiments by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) using high-energy radiation to examine the behaviour of materials when subjected to explosive shock. It is important in predicting the performance of a nuclear warhead and hence in underwriting our nuclear deterrent in a nuclear test ban era.
	The cost of the programme is included in the total AWE operating costs of 2.3 billion for the 10-year period beginning 1 April 2000. The specific costs of these experiments could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Trident

Frank Cook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has decided to extend the life of the Trident warhead beyond the expected service life; and what plans he has to extend the life of the submarine beyond the expected service life.

Adam Ingram: No such decision has been made; as with other key military capabilities, we routinely undertake studies into options for achieving the optimum operational life and value for money.

Defence Aviation Repair Agency

John Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated cost is of the inter-site transportation of components and material in the Defence Aviation Repair Agency in the last 12 months.

Adam Ingram: The inter-site costs of transporting components and materials across the Defence Aviation Repair Agency are not recorded separately and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Anti-tank Missiles

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the MOD's balance of investment of anti tank missiles study will be completed; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The most recent studies of anti-tank guided weapons were concluded in summer 2001. These studies considered the procurement of such weapon systems for mechanised infantry and armoured infantry. The conclusions reached in these studies will be used to inform any future procurement options.

Anti-tank Missiles

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the existing Milan system for medium range anti-tank missiles; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The MILAN system meets the requirements for which it was designed, and is successfully deployed in over 40 countries. The system has been in service since 1977, and replacements are developed in line with technological advances and changing capability requirements. MILAN, which is due to be phased out of service between 2005 and 2008, is to be replaced by the Light Forces' Anti-Tank Guided Weapon (LF ATGW) system.

Colchester Garrison

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 557W, on Colchester Garrison, when the temporary living accommodation for soldiers at Colchester Garrison will be ready for occupation; if he plans to allow the public to view the new buildings; and if there will be an official opening ceremony.

Lewis Moonie: The temporary 'portakabin' type single living accommodation for soldiers at Colchester Garrison is ready for occupation now, though it is yet to be utilised due to operational deployments. There are no plans to invite the public to view the new buildings or to hold an official opening ceremony.

Civilian Work Force

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will announce the results of his analysis of his Department's civilian work force; and what effect this will have on the age of retirement.

Lewis Moonie: The review of the Ministry of Defence's age of retirement policy for civilian staff has taken rather longer than expected because it has thrown up some complex issues, but it is now nearing completion and we expect to be able to announce the findings in the next few weeks.

Civilian Work Force

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures his Department has put in place to aid civilian recruitment where there is a shortage of people for the appropriate grades.

Lewis Moonie: Recruitment to the civil service is on the basis of merit and fair and open competition. In the Ministry of Defence, most recruitment is delegated to local budget holders. Various steps are taken to try to ensure the success of our recruitment efforts, particularly in relation to women, disabled people and members of ethnic minorities, who are currently under-represented in our work force. Depending on the circumstances, we can also make available flexible working arrangements and some financial incentives.

RAF Bases

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who owns the freehold of (a) RAF Brize Norton, and (b) RAF Lyneham.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence owns the freehold at both sites.

RAF Bases

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what plans he has to redevelop RAF Wroughton;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the future of RAF Wroughton.

Lewis Moonie: All elements of the former RAF Wroughton are now in private ownership with the exception of the married quarter estates at Langton Park and Beranburh Field. These are still in Ministry of Defence ownership but are now surplus to operational requirements. They will shortly be sold in accordance with disposal policy. Defence Estates will not redevelop the sites.

RAF Bases

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what medical equipment there is in RAF Wroughton; and what plans he has to re-deploy it elsewhere.

Lewis Moonie: RAF Wroughton comprised the main airfield, married quarters estates and the Princess Alexandra hospital.
	Prior to the disposal of the hospital site the medical equipment was sold, with the exception of the MRI and CT scanners which were obsolescent. They were therefore included as fittings within the hospital sale.
	The Princess Alexandra hospital was sold to Dukeminster Ltd. on 14 January 2000.

Army Units (Germany)

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the establishment against actual strength of British Army units in Germany; and how many requests for transfer there are for each of these units.

Adam Ingram: The establishment and actual staffing levels for major British Army units in Germany, as at 1 January 2002, are shown in the table. It is not possible to say how many requests for transfer there are for each unit in Germany as this information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	
		
			 British Army units in Germany(8) Establishment Actual strength 
		
		
			  HQ 1(UK) Armoured Division and TPS 
			 1 Div HQ 180 178 
			 12 Regt RA 627 563 
			 28 Engr Regt RE 880 804 
			 1 ADSR 681 586 
			 1CS Med Regt RAMC 517 443 
			 Chaplain pool 28 32 
			 1 Reg RMP 350 350 
			 1GS Regt RLC 689 600 
			 2 CS Regt RLC 886 696 
			 RLC Mil Trg Wmg 8 8 
			
			 4 Armoured Brigade   
			 4 Bde HQ and Sig Sqn 157 164 
			 RDG 590 585 
			 QRL 590 511 
			 4 Regt RA 684 606 
			 21 Engr RE 657 657 
			 1IG 744 689 
			 1DWR 741 719 
			 1Bn REME 367 308 
			 RL Band 35 31 
			
			 7 Armoured Brigade   
			 7 Bde HQ and Sig Sqn 157 167 
			 SCOTS DG 590 491 
			 9/12L 453 440 
			 2 RTR 599 568 
			 3 RHA 554 457 
			 32 Engr Regt RE 653 638 
			 1 RRF 741 654 
			 1BW 741 660 
			 Cambrai Band 35 35 
			 2 Bn REME 367 289 
			 20 Armoured Brigade   
			 20 Bde HQ and Sig Sqn 157 129 
			 QHR 590 531 
			 26 Regt RA 684 607 
			 35 Engr Regt RE 656 622 
			 1 RRW 741 703 
			 2 RGJ 741 726 
			 3 Bn REME 367 281 
			
			 HQ UK Support Command (Germany)   
			 HQ UKSC(G) 122 119 
			 1 Signal Brigade and Rhine Garrison 3,307 2,955 
		
	
	(8) As at 1 January 2002

Iraq

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British aircraft, and how many, are patrolling the no fly zones in Iraq; and how many times they have been (a) locked on to by surface-to-air missile batteries, (b) attacked by surface-to-air missiles and (c) threatened by other means.

Adam Ingram: The RAF currently deploys eight Tornado GR4, six Tornado F3, four Jaguar, two VC10 and one Tristar on operations in connection with enforcing the no fly zones.
	Between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2001, reports from coalition aircraft patrolling the no fly zones indicated that they were threatened or attacked on 918 occasions, broken down as follows: 64 radar threats; 55 attacks by surface-to-air missiles; and 799 other threats, primarily attacks by anti-aircraft guns.

PRIME MINISTER

Ian Stillman

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to make representations to the Indian Government with respect to the case of Ian Stillman; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: I am aware of the case of Mr. Stillman. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British high commission in New Delhi have made many high-level representations to the Indian authorities about Mr. Stillman. The most recent of these was a meeting on 2 January 2002 between the British high commissioner in New Delhi and the Indian Home Minister. We shall continue to monitor Mr. Stillman's welfare while in jail and ensure that his special needs are catered for as far as possible.

Single European Currency

Tony Wright: To ask the Prime Minister if he plans to follow the precedent of the 1975 referendum on membership of the Common Market in respect of the Government's agreement to differ in a referendum on membership of the single European currency as binding.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 2 November 2001, Official Report, column 883W.

Energy Review

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister on what date he received the final report of the Energy Review from his Performance and Innovation Unit; and on what date he intends to publish the report.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Ceredigion (Mr. Thomas) on 9 January 2002, Official Report, column 816W.

Defence Sales (India)

Brian Mawhinney: To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had with Indian Ministers, on his recent visit, about the United Kingdom selling (a) armaments and (b) war planes to the Indian Government.

Tony Blair: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) on 23 January 2002, Official Report, column 854W.

Lost/stolen Property

John Bercow: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those items valued at more than 50 which have been stolen or lost from his office in each of the last four years.

Tony Blair: In respect of my office, none for the last four financial years.

Camp X-Ray

Harry Cohen: To ask the Prime Minister whether the assurances Her Majesty's Government have obtained from the Americans that those captured in Afghanistan are being humanely treated include assurances that those people are being treated in accordance with (a) the Geneva convention and (b) international norms; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: US officials have stated publicly that all detainees are being treated consistently with the principles of the Geneva convention.
	As the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw) told the House on 21 January, British officials visited Guantanamo Bay between 17 and 20 January and were able to have lengthy discussions with the three British detainees who were all in good physical health and none of whom complained of ill treatment or had medical conditions requiring treatment.
	I am satisfied on the basis of the public statements made by the US authorities, together with the report of the visiting British officials, that the detainees are being treated in line with international humanitarian norms.

New Year Honours List

Andrew Turner: To ask the Prime Minister how many persons in each county were (a) knighted or equivalent and (b) admitted to each rank of the orders of chivalry in the recent New Year's Honours List.

Tony Blair: The information available is outlined in the table, which shows the number of awards made on my recommendation in each county in the New Year Honours List 2002.
	
		Numbers of Honours recipients in each county
		
			 County GBE CH KCB DBE Kt CB CMG CBE OBE MBE 
		
		
			 Aberdeenshire 14 2 
			 Angus  3 
			 Antrim1 3 10 
			 Argyll and Bute  6 
			 Armagh 1 3 
			 Ayrshire and Arran 1 3 
			 Banffshire  1 
			 Bedfordshire 1 3 
			 Belfast 1 1   5 10 
			 Berkshire   1 1 5 8 
			 Berwickshire1 1 1 
			 Bristol 2 4 
			 Buckinghamshire 1   1 2 8 
			 Cambridgeshire 1   4 1 9 
			 Carmarthenshire  4 
			 Ceredigion  1 
			 Channel Islands 12 4 
			 Cheshire 1   3 3 13 
			 Cleveland1  2 
			 Clwyd  1 
			 Cornwall  3 
			 Cumbria  11 
			 Denbighshire  1 
			 Derbyshire 3 6 
			 Devon 2 13 
			 Dorset 1 7 
			 Down3 6 10 
			 Dumfries 1 6 
			 Dunbartonshire 1  
			 Dundee 2  
			 Durham 6 4 
			 East Lothian 1 1 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire1  3 
			 East Sussex  1  1 3 12 
			 Edinburgh 1   5 8 10 
			 Essex 4 14 
			 Fermanagh  1 
			 Fife1 2 7 
			 Flintshire  1 
			 Glasgow1 1 3 
			 Gloucestershire 2 7 
			 Greater Manchester 1   3 2 14 
			 Gwent 1 2 
			 Gwynedd 1 2 
			 Hampshire  1  2 8 15 
			 Herefordshire 1  
			 Hertfordshire 1 1  6 8 9 
			 Inverness-shire  6 
			 Isle of Man  2 
			 Isle of Wight  2 
			 Kent 2 2  3 10 19 
			 Lanarkshire1 1 4 
			 Lancashire  1   5 13 
			 Leicestershire 4 5 
			 Lincolnshire 2 5 
			 London   2   4 1 17 35 41 
			 Londonderry1 3 6 
			 Lothian 1 2 
			 Merseyside2  10 
			 Mid Glamorgan3 1 6 
			 Middlesex1 7 16 
			 Mid Lothian  1 
			 Monmouthshire 1 5 
			 Norfolk 2 8 
			 North Yorkshire 1 1  1 2 5 
			 Northamptonshire 1 4 
			 Northumberland12 1 5 
			 Nottinghamshire 4 7 
			 Orkney1   
			 Oxfordshire1 2   2 4 6 
			 Pembrokeshire  1 
			 Perth and Kinross  5 
			 Powys  1 
			 Renfrewshire1 5 3 
			 Ross and Cromarty 11 4 
			 Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale1  1 
			 Shetland Island  2 
			 Shropshire 2 4 
			 Somerset  1  1 4 9 
			 South Glamorgan 2 5 
			 South Yorkshire2 7 10 
			 Staffordshire 2 15 
			 Stirling and Falkirk 1 1 
			 Suffolk1  5 
			 Surrey 1 1  11 11 19 
			 Sutherland  1 
			 Vale of Glamorgan  2 
			 Torfaen  1 
			 Tweeddale 1 1 
			 Tyne and Wear 1 5 
			 Tyrone  3 
			 Warwickshire1 1 4 
			 West Glamorgan1 2 4 
			 West Lothian 1 3 
			 West Midlands 1   2 5 10 
			 West Sussex12 3 5 
			 West Yorkshire2 2 14 
			 Western Isles  1 
			 Wiltshire2 2 8 
			 Worcestershire 11   1 1 3

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on (a) the number of UK citizens arrested in Afghanistan for alleged terrorist activity by (i) United Kingdom forces, (ii) United States forces and (iii) Afghan forces or paramilitaries, (b) their present whereabouts, (c) their identities and (d) their access to consular and legal representation.

Ben Bradshaw: We are attempting to clarify the numbers and identify all who may be British nationals detained in Afghanistan. This may be a lengthy process because we have extremely limited consular facilities in Afghanistan.
	No British nationals are being held by UK forces. There are three British nationals held by the United States forces in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The US armed forces have also confirmed that they are holding others who may be British nationals in locations in Afghanistan.
	We are seeking to verify reports of the number of possible British nationals who may have been detained by Afghan or local forces. We are aware of one British national who was detained by the Northern Alliance and are seeking information on his current whereabouts.
	In line with normal consular practice, we do not intend to release the identities of those detained.
	We are seeking access to all alleged British detainees. British officials have visited the three detainees at Guantanamo Bay from 17 to 20 January and have confirmed that they are all in good physical health and have no complaints about ill treatment. We have told the US authorities that we expect them to ensure that the detainees are treated in accordance with international standards, including those applicable to trial.

Afghanistan

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens have been detained by (a) United States, (b) United Front and (c) other local forces in Afghanistan; and where they are now being held.

Ben Bradshaw: We are attempting to clarify the numbers and identify all who may be British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. This may be a lengthy process because we have extremely limited consular facilities in Afghanistan.
	As I said in my statement on 21 January there are currently three British detainees at the Guantanamo Bay base.
	We are seeking to verify reports of the number of possible British nationals who may have been detained by Afghan or local forces. We are aware of one British national who was detained by the Northern Alliance during the civil war, and are seeking information on his current whereabouts.

Afghanistan

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the UK is being consulted about the handling of prisoners in custody in Afghanistan.

Ben Bradshaw: We have not been consulted about the handling of prisoners in Afghanistan. We believe that all detainees in Afghanistan, as elsewhere, should be treated humanely and in accordance with international standards. We are seeking access to all alleged British detainees.

Afghanistan

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information British troops in Afghanistan have gathered on the fate of the women of Kabul who were taken by the fleeing Taliban forces.

Ben Bradshaw: British troops in Afghanistan are there as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Their mission is to assist the Afghan Interim Administration in achieving security in Kabul and the surrounding areas. However, the British embassy in Kabul have been investigating these reports and have so far been unable to substantiate them.
	We work closely with the UNHCR in Pakistan, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Special Mission to Afghanistan on all matters of humanitarian concern, including the appalling treatment of women under the Taliban. We have also raised a range of women's issues with Dr. Sima Sumar, the Interim Administration's Vice Chair responsible for Women's Affairs.

Afghanistan

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 15 January 2002, Official Report, column 132W on Afghanistan, if he will make a statement on the problems the ICRC face in gaining access to detainees held at Bagram airport and those being held in a place of detention in Kabul.

Peter Hain: The ICRC obtained access to the detainees in Kabul on 13 January, although this information was not to hand at the time of the earlier answer.
	On 22 January the ICRC obtained access to the detainees at Bagram airport.

Afghanistan

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the (a) centres at which prisoners from the conflict are being held in Afghanistan and (b) nationalities of those who are being detained; if he will specify how many are being held there; and if the ICRC is being allowed into every centre to see all prisoners.

Ben Bradshaw: The UK is not holding any detainees. Information on the location and nationality of detainees is a matter for the US and Afghan authorities. We understand that ICRC is being allowed access to prisoners in Afghanistan.

Safiyatu Hussaini

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Nigerian Government in support of Safiyatu Hussaini in advance of her appeal hearing on 18 March following her sentence of death by stoning for the crime of adultery; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: We are deeply concerned at the sentence of stoning given to Safiyatu Hussaini for adultery by a Sharia Court in Sokoto State, northern Nigeria, on 9 October 2001. We are following this case closely. The British high commission in Abuja takes every opportunity to raise the human rights implications of the extreme sentences laid down in the Sharia criminal code. We expect the Nigerian Government to meet their international human rights obligations. Nigeria ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 1993. We also remind the Nigerians regularly of our opposition to the use of the death penalty.
	The Sokoto Sharia Court of Appeal has issued a stay of execution until Ms Hussaini's appeal is heard.

Sierra Leone

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to support reform of the judiciary, police force and detention facilities in Sierra Leone.

Ben Bradshaw: A strong judiciary, police force and penal system is essential to establishing the rule of law, which will help to consolidate the fragile peace in Sierra Leone. The United Nations mission has deployed throughout the country and the Sierra Leone army, police and administration is in the process of extending the Government's authority.
	Lasting stability depends on a strong and accessible legal system. The UK is working with the international community and the Government of Sierra Leone to improve the effectiveness of Sierra Leone's judicial system. This includes updating the legal code and training legal personnel.
	The Government of Sierra Leone are committed to the development of a democratic police force. The UK is helping to deliver an effective and accountable force by training and restructuring the police, and support moves towards prison reform.
	The UK has played a leading role in the successful efforts to bring peace to Sierra Leone. We remain committed to helping rebuild the country.

Western Hemisphere Institute for Security and Co-operation

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to monitor the connections between the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security and Co-operation, the School of Americas and the committal of violent acts intended to influence the policy of other Governments.

Denis MacShane: The United States Congress is responsible for scrutinising the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security and Co-operation (formally known as the School of Americas).

Empty Properties

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his estimate is of the (a) annual cost and (b) total value of the empty properties owned by (i) his Department, (ii) his agencies and (iii) other public bodies for which he has had responsibility in each of the last four years.

Denis MacShane: It is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's policy to limit empty properties to one of four categories: (a) those that must be vacated while undergoing refurbishment or adaptation; (b) those that are surplus and in the process of disposal; (c) those we cannot occupy because of a break in diplomatic relations or a similar eventuality, but we expect to need in the future; and (d) short gaps between officers' overseas tours.
	Because routine management of the estate is devolved to our overseas posts, it is not possible to identify these properties or their costs without disproportionate cost.

Gibraltar

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will postpone the Brussels talks with his Spanish counterpart until proceedings on the new constitutional proposal before Gibraltar's House of Assembly have been completed.

Peter Hain: holding answer 25 January 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay) on 12 December 2001, Official Report, columns 85354W. We shall continue talks with Spain under the Brussels Process.
	We understand that the Select Committee on Constitutional Reform of the Gibraltar House of Assembly has agreed draft proposals for constitutional reform, and look forward to receiving these in due course.

Gibraltar

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure a referendum in Gibraltar resulting from any bi-lateral agreement between Spain and the United Kingdom on the future status of Gibraltar is conducted in a free and fair manner.

Peter Hain: holding answer 25 January 2002
	I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 8 January 2002, Official Report, column 580W. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs said in this House on 14 January, the Government stand by the pledge that any agreement reached under the Brussels Process will be subject, in a free, secret ballot, to the wishes of the people of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions are taking place with Spain to allow re-directed aircraft from Gibraltar to land in Spain.

Peter Hain: holding answer 25 January 2002
	The Government resumed talks with Spain under the Brussels Process in July 2001: these talks continue. In accordance with the terms of the Brussels Communiqu, November 1984, the talks are aimed at overcoming all the differences between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar and at promoting co-operation on a mutually beneficial basis, including on aviation.

Gibraltar

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have taken place with Spain on (a) direct sailings of cruise ships from Gibraltar to Spain, (b) direct flights from Spain to Gibraltar and (c) ferry links between Gibraltar and Algeciras.

Peter Hain: holding answer 25 January 2002
	The Government resumed talks with Spain under the Brussels Process in July 2001: these talks continue. In accordance with the terms of the Brussels Communiqu, November 1984, the talks are aimed at overcoming all the differences between the UK and Spain over Gibraltar and at promoting co-operation on a mutually beneficial basis on economic, cultural, touristic, aviation, military and environment matters.

Gibraltar

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what statutory powers action can be taken against Spain in respect of (a) the open skies policy, (b) air safety and (c) direct sailings between Spain and Gibraltar.

Peter Hain: holding answer 25 January 2002
	No such statutory powers exist.

Gibraltar

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have taken place on including Gibraltar in the EU Open Skies Agreement.

Peter Hain: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 1 November 2001, Official Report, column 811W. There have been no further discussions with Spain on this matter, except in so far as any agreement with Spain approved by the people of Gibraltar at the European Union would resolve this issue.

Spain

Ronnie Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legal action he plans to take against Spain about (a) mobile telephone roaming and (b) border queues.

Peter Hain: The UK Government have no plans to take legal action against Spain. The EC Treaty confers primary responsibility for the enforcement of Community Law on the Commission.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if members of the UK delegation who visited the UK nationals being held by US forces in Cuba will be involved in the interrogation of those UK nationals.

Ben Bradshaw: The UK team which visited Guantanamo Bay has interviewed those detainees held there who claim British nationality. The team comprised members qualified to ask questions about the identity, nationality and welfare of the detainees and also to ask questions relevant to international terrorism and UK national security.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if UK nationals held by US forces in Cuba were informed before they left Afghanistan that they were to be taken to Cuba and of the length of the journey.

Ben Bradshaw: The report by officials did not cover this point, which is one for the US authorities.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there were United Kingdom nationals among the wounded prisoners who arrived at the US base in Cuba in the week beginning 21 January.

Ben Bradshaw: We have not been informed of any further transfers of British detainees. The US have assured us that they will keep us informed.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if members of the UK delegation who visited the UK nationals being held by US forces in Cuba discussed allegations of sensory deprivation with them.

Ben Bradshaw: The British officials responsible for the interviews gave the detainees full opportunity to express concern about their treatment, including sensory deprivation. None complained of ill-treatment and they all appeared to be in good physical health.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure that Parliament is kept informed on a regular basis of the conditions under which UK nationals are being held by US forces.

Ben Bradshaw: I will be happy to bring any significant changes to the attention of Parliament.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the US Government about the tribunals by which the UK nationals who are being held by US forces at Guatanamo Bay will be tried.

Ben Bradshaw: The US has yet to make public the procedures. We have asked for information and made clear our view that these should be consistent with international norms for trial.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the UK Government were notified that the first planeload of prisoners to the US base for prisoners in Cuba included UK nationals.

Ben Bradshaw: We have had many discussions with the US authorities about detention of British nationals, including their possible transfer. Their transfer was confirmed to our Embassy in Washington on 11 January, the day the detainees arrived in Guantanamo.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name the officials who were members of the UK Government delegation who visited the UK nationals held by US forces in Cuba.

Ben Bradshaw: Under Exemptions 1a and 15 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, I am unable to publish the names of the officials.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if US personnel were present at the meetings held between the UK delegation and the UK nationals being held by US forces in Cuba.

Ben Bradshaw: British officials visiting the detainees were accompanied by representatives of the US as the detaining power.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what charges have been laid against the UK nationals held by US forces in Cuba; whether their legal rights have been discussed with them; and whether they have been offered legal representation.

Ben Bradshaw: We are not yet aware of any charges but are in regular contact with the US regarding next steps. If the detainees face prosecution, under international norms they are entitled to legal representation.

UK Nationals (Cuba)

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from foreign Governments on the conditions in which prisoners are being held by US forces at Guantanamo Bay.

Ben Bradshaw: None.

Iran

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to name the new ambassador to Iran; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 14 January 2002, Official Report, column 4W.

British Expatriates (Spain)

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens live permanently in Spain.

Peter Hain: According to official Spanish figures, the number of UK nationals permanently resident in Spain is in the region of 500,000.

Morocco

Terry Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with the Government of Morocco regarding the Spanish enclaves of (a) Ceuta and (b) Melilla.

Peter Hain: Ministers and officials have regular contacts with their Moroccan counterparts to discuss a wide range of bilateral and foreign policy issues. There have been no specific discussions regarding the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, as this is a bilateral matter between the Governments of Spain and Morocco.

Hamas

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made as to which Governments (a) provide support to Hamas terrorists and (b) allow Hamas to operate within their borders.

Ben Bradshaw: We are aware that Hamas receives some funding from Iran. Hamas also receives funding from a wide variety of sources across the middle east, including substantial funding from private foundations and individuals in the Gulf. Hamas activity covers a wide spectrum, from charitable social and educational support in the community to terrorism. We have no clear evidence of any Government allowing Hamas terrorists to operate within its borders. We take all evidence of external involvement in Hamas very seriously. Such involvement can only complicate the international community's efforts to help the Palestinians achieve viable statehood, and Israel and the region to enjoy lasting security.

Hamas

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on the middle east peace process of the intention of the Hamas terrorist group to wage an all-out war against Israel.

Ben Bradshaw: We are gravely concerned by the violence in the middle east, including Hamas' declared intention to wage 'general war' against Israel. The Government's view on terrorism is clear: we have repeatedly condemned terrorism in all its forms. We have accordingly proscribed the terrorist wing of Hamas. We continue to urge President Arafat to make 100 per cent. effort to dismantle terrorist networks. We will continue to urge both parties to end the violence and resume substantive dialogue.

Greenpeace

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the case of the 17 Greenpeace activists and two journalists who were arrested near Vandenberg Airbase, California.

Ben Bradshaw: Three British nationals were among 17 people arrested for entering a restricted area at Vandenberg Airbase, California, on 15 July 2001. Two of these British nationals have been sentenced to a period of probation of one year. The third British national is due to be sentenced on 15 April. We have offered all three detainees full consular assistance since their arrest and will continue to do so.

Brussels Process

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what agenda has been set for future discussions under the Brussels Process; and if he will make minutes of the meeting under the Brussels Process available to Parliament.

Peter Hain: holding answer 25 January 2002
	I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to his question on 6 November 2001, Official Report, column 121W. We will continue to ensure that the House is kept fully informed of progress under the Brussels Process.

Al-Aqsa Brigades

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the links between the Palestinian Authority and the Al-Aqsa Brigades who have claimed responsbility for recent terrorist attacks.

Ben Bradshaw: We understand that the Al-Aqsa Brigades is the name used by members of Fatah when they carry out attacks on Israeli targets. Fatah is a political party The Palestinians after the Oslo accords. As such, there is no direct link between the Palestinian Authority and the actions of individual Fatah members. Fatah is President Arafat's political party but both he and more generally the Palestinian Authority have repeatedly condemned terrorism.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Pension Credit

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects to introduce the pension credit.

Ian McCartney: Pension credit will be introduced from October 2003, so that no pensioner will need to live on less than 100 per week (154 a week for couples). For the first time, we will rewardnot penalisesavings, ensuring those who have worked hard to save modest amounts will gain from having done so.

Pension Credit

Bill Tynan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures he will put in place to ensure the application procedures for the pension credit are transparent and easily understandable.

Ian McCartney: Pension credit will be delivered, from 2003, by the Pension Service which will be launched in April this year. The aim of the Pension Service is to promote a modern service that is tailored to meet customers' needs. The Department is currently designing and developing the processes and customer products (forms, leaflets, etc) that will support the introduction of pension credit next year.
	Plans for pension credit communications are being worked up at present and we intend to engage customer representative groups and partner organisations during the first half of 2002, in helping us to develop detailed marketing, communications and take-on plans. We will also test customer products, such as the claim form and leaflet, with these expert groups to ensure that they are easy to understand. They will of course, be approved by the Social Security Advisory Committee. We will ensure that everyone who is entitled to pension credit knows in good time what they need to do to apply for their pension credit entitlement.

Pension Schemes

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the savings ratio with respect to pension schemes.

Ian McCartney: Overall contributions to non-state pensions have increased year on year since 1997. It has risen from:
	50 billion in 1997
	60 billion in 1998
	65 billion in 1999
	69 billion in 2000.
	Additionally, the introduction of stakeholder pensions has increased access to pension schemes and promoted greater pension saving generally. For example, the value of new pensions sales rose by 9 per cent. in the third quarter of 2001 to 2.8 billion.

National Insurance

David Heathcoat-Amory: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many uncancelled national insurance numbers there are in issue.

Malcolm Wicks: As I explained in a reply to the right hon. Member on 7 November last year, the national insurance numbers (NINOs) currently in issue are needed for a variety of purposes.
	Since 1998 we have removed over 375,000 NINOs from the system. We are also marking suspected fraudulent NINOs when they are discovered. However our main focus is to tighten up the identification process to prevent false numbers being allocated in the first place.

New Deal

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to make the new deal for young people more responsive to the needs of (a) young people and (b) employers.

Nick Brown: We are continually seeking to develop the new deal for young people to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of employers and young people.
	We have already introduced a number of measures to increase the flexibility of the programme for employers and young people. For example, since June 2001 we have:
	introduced 'Recruit', a pilot initiative to help employers in deprived areas employ more people through the new deal's employment option;
	broadened training within new deal to allow training that leads to a certificate recognised by employers in their occupational areas;
	increased the permitted length of work experience placements for new dealers to eight weeks to enhance their employability; and
	revised the entry conditions for the new deal employment option, so participants can enter the option from the day they enter the programme.
	We are introducing tailored pathway pilots, the first of which began on 2 January. These pilots will enable young people to use the new deal options more flexibly and move into sustained employment. New deal clients will be able to access a mix of full-time training, work experience and employment through the new deal options.
	From February, employers will be given more flexibility in the training they provide for new deal clients taken on under the employment option. Employers will be able to give new deal clients their own in-house training so that they have greater freedom to deliver training that best meets their needs.

New Deal

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps are taken to safeguard the training needs of the long-term unemployed on new deal projects when the Department terminates training contracts.

Nick Brown: The continuity of programmes for all new deal participants is of paramount importance, particularly where contracts expire or are terminated. Should termination or expiry occur, contracts contain clauses to minimise any disruption caused to participants, and to assist in the implementation of contingency plans allowing participants to complete their programme.

New Deal

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will extend the new deal to 14 to 18-year-olds; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: We currently have no plans to extend the new deal to 14 to 18-year-olds.

New Deal

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have entered work through the new deal since May 1997.

Nick Brown: Latest results show that over 600,000 people have entered work through the new deals.

Occupational Pensions

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to review the taper formula for occupational pensions.

Nick Brown: We introduced changes to the treatment of occupational pensions in incapacity benefit last April. We believe it is right to take account of pensions which duplicate the purpose of incapacity benefit, which is to provide some replacement of earnings for people of working age. The 50 per cent. taper on pension income above 85 a week encourages and rewards personal provision.
	We keep all our policies under review but have no plans to introduce further changes to the present arrangements.

Carers

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on his plans to reform benefits for carers.

Maria Eagle: On 17 December, we laid a draft regulatory reform order before Parliament which, if accepted, will give those aged over 65 the right to claim invalid care allowance for the first time.
	The order would also provide for the extension of entitlement to invalid care allowance for up to eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for and a change in the name of the benefit to carer's allowance to reflect more closely the purpose of the benefit.

Carers

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action he is taking to help carers.

Maria Eagle: In autumn 2000 the Government announced a package of measures to enhance the current social security provision for carers, worth more than 500 million over a three year period. Two of the measures were implemented in April last year. The invalid care allowance (ICA) earnings limit was increased from 50 to 72 per week and the carer premium paid through the income-related benefits was increased from 14.15 to 24.40.
	On 17 December 2001, we laid a draft regulatory reform order before Parliament. If accepted, this will give those aged over 65 the right to claim invalid care allowance for the first time; will provide for the extension of entitlement to ICA for up to eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for; and will change the name of the benefit to carer's allowance.

Benefit Fraud

Sydney Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on progress in tackling fraud in the benefit system.

Malcolm Wicks: We are getting to grips with social security fraud. We have set out our strategy for tightening up the system and ensuring that from the outset the right benefits are going to the right people.
	We have introduced the Social Security Fraud Act 2001, which includes powers to improve fraud investigation and strengthen punishment for persistent offenders. We have increased the number of people sanctioned or prosecuted and we are working with local authorities to tackle housing benefit fraud and error.
	Latest figures show that from our baseline period in 1998 to March 2001 we have reduced the level of fraud and error in income support and jobseeker's allowance by nearly 18 per cent. and we expect the good progress to continue.

Benefit Fraud

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many prosecutions his Department has authorised, pursuant to the Targeting Fraud campaign.

Malcolm Wicks: It is not possible to estimate how many prosecutions have been authorised as a direct result of the Targeting Fraud campaign. However, more than 7,500 fraudsters have been successfully prosecuted since the campaign began.

Pensioners

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners holding annuities are making claims for a non-disability benefit paid by his Department.

Ian McCartney: Approximately 200,000 pensioner benefit units who are claiming income support, housing benefit or council tax benefit are in receipt of income from pension annuities.

Unemployment

Ernie Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures he plans to assist long-term unemployed people in deprived areas.

Nick Brown: Our welfare to work initiatives are helping people into work in all parts of the country. The new deals have already helped well over 600,000 people into jobs.
	We introduced employment zones specifically to help long-term unemployed people in deprived areas get and keep work. The performance of the 15 employment zones is encouraging. Early indications are that almost half of participants find work. We are currently evaluating the zones before deciding how to take the initiative further.
	Action teams for jobs are helping jobless people in the most employment deprived areas in the country into work. By the end of their first year of operation (mid-October 2001), action teams had helped nearly 16,500 people into jobs. Earlier this month we increased the number of action teams from 53 to 63.

Winter Fuel Payment

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people who became 60-years-old before 25 December 2001 were not entitled to the winter fuel payment.

Ian McCartney: An estimated 150,000 people who reached age 60 before 25 December 2001 were not entitled to a payment for this winter, 200102. The reasons for this will have been either that they did not reach the age of 60 in or before the qualifying week, which was 1723 September 2001, or that one of the scheme's exclusions applied in their case.

Winter Fuel Payment

David Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people living in tenements in Scotland have received only half their winter fuel entitlement because of a computer error; what action is being taken to identify them; when he expects all such cases to be paid in full; and what steps he is taking to prevent the error recurring.

Ian McCartney: In order to ensure that the correct level of winter fuel payment is paid, the addresses of eligible people are matched. However, the Department is aware that there have been problems regarding people living in tenements in Scotland and, to alleviate this, the Department clerically matches the addresses in areas where there are many tenement flats. Figures are not available for tenements, but from over 11 million payments issued before Christmas, a total of 2,089 cases have been identified to date across Great Britain and Northern Ireland where the half rate payment has been applied in error. Where an underpayment has come to light, corrective action has been promptly taken.

Universal Bank

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his oral answer of 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 578, on the Universal Bank, if he will make a statement on the progress of negotiations between the Post Office and its partners.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 634W.

Mining Communities

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to enable more people in former mining communities to move off benefit and into work.

Nick Brown: People in former mining communities can benefit from the range of help available through their local Jobcentres. New deal programmes can help them gain new skills and advisers can help people find the job best suited to their circumstances.
	Some former mining communities are also benefiting from becoming an employment zone or an area for one of the action teams for jobs. Both of these initiatives are focusing help on some of the most deprived areas of the country to provide people with the extra support they need to move from benefits into work.

Child Poverty

David Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made towards achieving the Government's objective of halving child poverty by 2010.

Malcolm Wicks: Details of the progress we are making in tackling child poverty can be found in our third annual report on poverty and social exclusion, Opportunity for allmaking progress (CM 5260), published on 19 September 2001.

Disabled People

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to assist disabled people who wish to secure employment.

Maria Eagle: We have introduced a range of measures to help people with disabilities secure work where they are ready and able to do so.
	Our new deal for disabled people pilots helped over 8,200 disabled people into work. Building on that success we have now introduced a national network of job brokers.
	We are making work pay through the disabled person's tax credit and the national minimum wage.
	Jobcentre Plus offers disabled people making new or repeat benefit claims work-focused meetings with a personal adviser so as to ensure they are aware of the help and opportunities available to them.

Pension Service

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects the new Pension Service to come into operation.

Ian McCartney: The new Pension Service will offer an improved service for pensioners. It will be customer focused and will give pensioners a modern, personalised, efficient service designed to meet their needs. It will also provide information for future pensioners to help them make decisions about their future pension arrangements.
	The Pension Service will bring together the backroom processing in 26 locations rather than over 400 at present. These processing centres will support a local service offering face-to-face contact for those who need it.
	The local service will work in partnership with local agencies to undertake outreach activity such as visiting, private interviews in locations which suit them and drop-in services. We will build on the Better Government for Older People and Care Direct pilots and are striving to improve local access, not reduce it, and are keen to see a much more joined up approach towards services more generally for pensioners.
	The Pension Service will roll out in a phased approach from February this year, with work continuing over the next few years.

Child Support Agency

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the CSA is owed in outstanding maintenance payments.

Malcolm Wicks: The amount owed to the Child Support Agency in outstanding maintenance payments as at 31 December 2001 is 584,562,023.

Disability Discrimination

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the number of cases brought under Parts II and III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Maria Eagle: The Department monitors the numbers of complaints made to the employment tribunals and the courts under Parts II and III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). It also carries out targeted research on how the provisions of Part II and III of the DDA are working. We will shortly publish a report by Incomes Data Services Ltd., Monitoring the Disability Discrimination Act 1995Phase 2, which provides a statistical analysis of complaints made to the employment tribunals and county courts and a commentary on the emerging case law.

Disability Discrimination

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to commission research into the effectiveness of the awards against employers and service providers for discrimination against people with disabilities, with specific reference to the impact on their future behaviour.

Maria Eagle: We are committed to keeping the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) under review, including through research into the effectiveness of its provisions.
	We are currently developing proposals with the Disability Rights Commission for the next phase of the research project to monitor and analyse cases brought under the DDA.

Disability Discrimination

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to review the use of county and sheriff courts and their jurisdiction in cases under Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Maria Eagle: We are committed to keeping the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 under review, including through research into cases brought under its provisions. Part III is not yet fully in force so it is too early to consider a review of specific provisions.

Disabled Households

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many families in the Midlothian constituency include a disabled person; how many of these families have income support as their main income; and what the average amount is per week that these households spend on (a) food, (b) fuel and (c) medicines.

Malcolm Wicks: Information is not available in the format requested.

Disability Living Allowance

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many applications for disability living allowance were received from applicants in Perth constituency for the period 31 May 2000 to 31 May 2001; how many of those applications were refused at first instance; how many of those applicants whose applications were refused appealed; and how many of such appeals were successful (a) in whole and (b) in part.

Maria Eagle: In the year ending 31 May 2001, approximately 200 first applications for disability living allowance in Perth were successful at the claim stage, and 100 were unsuccessful. Local information (on a constituency basis) about appeals is not available.

Disability Living Allowance

John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make it his policy in respect of a claimant in receipt of a higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance who claims a core component to require medical information to be obtained from the claimant's doctor before a decision to refuse a claim is taken.

Maria Eagle: The mobility and care components of disability living allowance have separate qualifying criteria and entitlement to one component does not necessarily imply, or result in, entitlement to the other.
	Disability living allowance is primarily a self- assessment benefit with no automatic requirement to obtain further evidence to support a claim. The obtaining of additional evidence on a claim inevitably increases the time taken to process itsometimes substantiallyand an approach will only be made to a claimant's doctor for further medical evidence when it is considered necessary and the doctor is deemed to be the most appropriate source for it.

Stakeholder Pensions

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many reports Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority has received of companies that failed to designate a stakeholder pension in time for the 8 October deadline; how many fines it has imposed as a result; and what the total value of fines imposed is.

Ian McCartney: Opra has, up to 31 December 2001, received 220 reports of alleged failure of an employer to designate a stakeholder pension scheme for its work force. Seventy seven of those cases have been cleared, either because the employer has now designated a scheme or because the designation requirement does not apply.
	On average it can take Opra up to three months to look into a reported failure to designate a stakeholder pension scheme. Initial reports are sometimes anonymous and work can be needed to track down accurate contact details for the employer. Opra will then write to the employer to establish the facts of the case and point out the employer's responsibilities. Opra will check by telephone that the letter has been received, and will give the employer around four weeks to respond. In some situations the employer may need time to meet with their advisers to clarify their circumstancesespecially where there is a possibility that they may be exempt. On receiving a response from the employer, Opra may need to contact the employer again to clarify information provided in the response or to request further information.
	The Government seek to work in co-operation with business on stakeholder pensions. Opra's overriding objective is to secure compliance with the law rather than to punish. At present, if the employer complies with the law before the investigation is completed, Opra will take no further action. Given this approach, and the normal timescales involved in following up reports, it is too early for any cases to have progressed to an Opra Board for consideration of a fine.
	At the end of November 2001, 304,750 employers had already designated a stakeholder scheme for their work force.

Retirement Planning

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to improve awareness of the need for retirement planning.

Ian McCartney: The Government are committed to providing people with better information to improve awareness of the importance of retirement planning.
	The Government's pension education strategy includes raising awareness of retirement planning through a dedicated publicity campaign; providing more information to people about their pension provision through combined pension forecasts; and testing new ways to get information out to the public, for example through interactive Digital Television.
	The Department continues to liaise with the Financial Services Authority, employers, private pension providers and other organisations, on an on-going basis, to improve continuously the way we provide pensions information to consumers.

Cervical Spondylosis

David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to designate cervical spondylosis as a registered industrial injury.

Nick Brown: Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative condition which cannot result solely from an industrial injury and cannot be easily attributable to employment. In view of the lack of medical or scientific evidence to the contrary, we have no plans to designate it as a prescribed industrial disease.

Jobcentre Plus

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the changes that individual benefit offices in the Jobcentre Plus areas have been asked to make to ensure they are accessible to incapacity benefit claimants, with specific reference to changes to (a) buildings, (b) furniture and (c) printed materials.

Nick Brown: Jobcentre Plus is currently being delivered in 56 pathfinder offices. In the seven offices where providing entirely equal physical access to services has not been possible, alternative arrangements are in place to ensure that disabled people can still access these services. At Halifax, Darwen, Derby Normanton Road, and Wellington, there is restricted access to the first floor of these buildings, however all public services can be provided on the ground floor. At Pyle and Hoylake space restrictions mean there are some restrictions to staff movement. Only at Harlesden has public access been severely compromised by steps to the public entrance. Planning consent is being sought for a ramp. Alternative arrangements are in place to ensure service access for disabled people including home visits and assisted access at the office itself. The nearby office at Kilburn is fully accessible.
	Internally, Jobcentre Plus offices and furniture have been designed to enable full and equal access for all Jobcentre Plus customers. Adviser workstations enable both customers and staff to view the information on the monitor screen. The shape of the worktop allows wheelchair users the same access as able-bodied customers. The newly introduced self-service job vacancy terminals, known as Jobpoints, have been designed specifically to enable access by wheelchair users.
	All Jobcentre Plus leaflets are available in alternative formats, including Braille and audiocassette. In addition to alternative formats for printed material, Jobcentre Plus offers textphone facilities and British Sign Language interpreters or other suitable communicators to help deaf or hard of hearing customers.

Job Vacancies

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what use is made of (a) Jobpoints and (b) Employer Direct for the advertisement of vacancies in Government Departments.

Nick Brown: All vacancies notified to the Employment Service through Employer Direct are shown on Jobpoints. Many Government jobs are advertised on Jobpoints and the internet job bank. Government Departments advertising their vacancies in this way include the Employment Service, Benefits Agency, Office for National Statistics and the Inland Revenue. Discussions are taking place with both the Cabinet Office and NHS Executive regarding advertising vacancies on the ES website.

Departmental Staff

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many employees of (a) his Department and (b) agencies sponsored by his Department work in (i) London, (ii) areas benefiting from EU objective 1 status, (iii) areas with objective 2 status and (iv) other areas.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 19 November 2001
	The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) currently covers 2,500 locations. The list of objective 2 status areas in England contains 1,700 areas. The information required for objective 2 status is therefore not easily available and could be produced only at disproportionate cost.
	The figures available for London and objective 1 status areas are:
	
		
			   Number of staff in DWP 
		
		
			 London 17,334 
			 Objective 1 areas 12,654 
			 Other areas 109,678 
			  
			 Total 139,666

Retirement Statistics

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many men and women over the age of retirement are in employment; what allowances there are for men and women over the age of 60 looking to (a) remain in and (b) return to work; and what plans he has to raise the retirement ages of men and women.

Ian McCartney: Employers are responsible for setting the retirement age of their employees. They often use the age at which the State pension becomes payable, or base the decision around their occupational pension scheme. State pension age will be equalised at 65 for both men and women from 6 April 2020. Women's state pension age will be increased gradually from 60 to 65 between the years 2010 and 2020.
	The Department for Work and Pensions does encourage employers, through the Code of Practice on Age Diversity in Employment, and the Age Positive campaign, to value the contribution of older workers and to adopt flexible approaches to retirement which benefit both them and their employees.

TRANSPORT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE REGIONS

Landfill Tax Credit Scheme

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which community projects based in the Buckingham constituency have benefited from the landfill tax credit scheme since its inception; and if he will indicate the amount of funding granted for each project.

Paul Boateng: I have been asked to reply.
	Information about the types of projects that have received funding under the landfill tax environmental bodies credit scheme is a matter for the regulator for the scheme, Entrust. I have therefore asked them to provide such data as they hold and will place a copy of their response in the Library.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what interest liability the Railtrack administrator has incurred under the commercial loan agreement.

John Spellar: The interest which is paid to the Secretary of State, accrued up until 15 January under the commercial loan agreement, is of the order of 14.2 million. It will be rolled up into the loan and paid at the same time that principal is repaid.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he estimates that increased operating costs that Railtrack has experienced post-Hatfield will have an impact on the financial projections in the SRA strategic plan.

David Jamieson: We will assess any impact on the SRA financial projections once the administrator or railtrack's successor has obtained a clearer picture of its underlying cost base and its operational needs.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers he has to end the Railtrack administration through a refinancing package for the existing company.

David Jamieson: The powers of the Secretary of State in respect of a railway administration are set out in the Railways Act 1993 and the Railway Administration Order Rules 2001. My right hon. Friend's answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) on 23 October 2001, Official Report, columns 19597W set out the basis for a proposal for a private sector company limited by guarantee as a successor to Railtrack. We have no plans to develop other proposals.

Railtrack

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made on the impact of (a) Railtrack administration and (b) the move to two year franchise extensions on levels of new orders for rolling stock.

David Jamieson: There are a number of mechanisms available to the SRA to secure investment under short franchise extensions, including rolling stock commitments under section 54 of the Railways Act 1993 where appropriate. I am not aware of any adverse effect on rolling stock orders caused by Railtrack going into administration.

Rail Electrification

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many miles of railway he expects to be electrified under the 10-year plan.

David Jamieson: No specific targets have been set. Electrification in itself is not a priority aim of the SRA when considering investment in the railways. The authority are more interested in the benefits delivered for the passenger and freight customer than in the particular form of traction used.

Rail Safety

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of track has been inspected in each of the last five years for which records are available under Railtrack's preventative maintenance scheme; and what proportion will be inspected in the current 12-month period.

David Jamieson: I understand that all track owned by Railtrack has been inspected in each of the last five years; and will be inspected in the current 12-month period. The frequencies and methods of inspection reflect the speed and annual tonnage of trains using the track and are set out in Railway Group Standard GC/RT 5021.

Rail Safety

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many children died in railway accidents (a) as passengers and (b) through trespass misadventure in each of the last five years for which figures are available in the age groups (i) zero to seven, (ii) eight to 13 and (iii) 14 to 18 years.

David Jamieson: The number of fatalities to young people on the railway reported to the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) over the last five years are shown in the following three tables. For statistical purposes HMRI classify children as between the ages of one to 15 years. Further information on railway fatalities to children can be found in the Chief Inspector of Railways annual reports on Railway Safety, copies of which are available in both House Libraries.
	
		Table 1: Passenger fatalities
		
			   Age  
			 1 April to 31 March 07 years 813 years 1418 years 
		
		
			 199697 0 0 1 
			 199798 0 1 1 
			 199899 0 0 4 
			 19992000 0 0 0 
			 200001 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		Table 2: Trespasser and suicide fatalities
		
			   Age  
			 1 April to 31 March 07 years 813 years 1418 years 
		
		
			 199697 2 4 16 
			 199798 1 4 18 
			 199899 0 2 16 
			 19992000 1 1 9 
			 200001 1 4 19 
		
	
	
		Table 3: Other member of the public fatalities (eg Level Crossings)
		
			   Age  
			 1 April to 31 March 07 years 813 years 1418 years 
		
		
			 199697 0 0 0 
			 199798 0 0 1 
			 199899 0 0 1 
			 19992000 0 0 0 
			 200001 0 0 0

Rail Subsidy

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the total (a) direct and (b) indirect projected public subsidy to the railways (i) was in each of the past five years and (ii) will be in the next 10 years.

David Jamieson: Total public support to the rail industry over each of the last five years is outlined in Table 4.1 of the Strategic Rail Authority's quarterly National Rail Trends bulletin. Government support via the franchised train operating companies is contained in the two 'Revenue support grant' columns contained in the table.
	The reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Lynne Jones) on 23 January 2002, Official Report, columns 87172W, outlines the estimated profile of Government support for the next 10 years.

London Underground

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many (a) redeployments, (b) retirements and (c) absence of London Underground staff on medical grounds there were (i) by underground line and (ii) in total in each of the last five years and in each of the last 12 months.

David Jamieson: This is an operational matter for London Underground Ltd., who have provided the following information 1 .
	1 London Underground are not able to provide this data disaggregated by each underground without incurring disproportionate cost.
	
		
			 Year Redeployments Retirements(10) Absence(11) (working days lost) 
		
		
			 199697 85 n/a n/a 
			 199798 84 n/a n/a 
			 199899 31 n/a n/a 
			 19992000 21 n/a n/a 
			 200001 6 n/a n/a 
			  
			 Total (Five years) 227 n/a n/a 
			 Last 12 months(12) 120 115 140,494 
		
	
	n/a = Not available
	(9) Data for retirements on medical grounds in each of the last five years would require disproportionate cost to collate. London Underground have said that their policy is not to retire employees on medical grounds, but instead, employees' contracts are terminated on medical grounds; employees then apply, if eligible, for their pension.
	(10) London Underground have not been able to provide information on absence on the medical grounds over the last five years.
	(11) January to December 2001
	Note:
	Detailed in-year operational information such as monthly data are a matter for London Underground; however a total for the last 12 months has been provided.

London Underground

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will publish the level of absence and the reasons for absences on each London Underground line and in total for the last five years and each of the last 12 months.

David Jamieson: This is an operational matter for London Underground Ltd., who have provided the following information.
	
		Working days lost
		
			 Absence Last five years(12) Last 12 months(13) 
		
		
			 Authorised Not available 31,459 
			 Unauthorised Not available 3,155 
			 Due to sickness Not available 140,494 
			  
			 Total 458,819 175,108 
		
	
	(12) January 1996 to December 2000
	(13) January to December 2001
	Notes:
	1. London Underground are not able to provide data disaggregated by each underground line without incurring disproportionate cost.
	2. London Underground are unable to disaggregate the total for absence in the last five years into absence type.
	3. Detailed in-year operational information such as monthly data are a matter for London Underground. However, a total for the last 12 months has been provided.

London Underground

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the meetings he has had in the last 10 months with the Health and Safety Inspectorate to discuss safety on the London Underground.

David Jamieson: There is no such body as the Health and Safety Inspectorate.

Departmental Sponsorship

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list all (a) funding resources and (b) initiatives sponsored by his Department for (i) the private sector, (ii) the voluntary sector and (iii) local authorities.

Sally Keeble: Details of the resources made available by Parliament to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in 200102 and their allocation are set out in the Department's Winter Supplementary Estimate presented to Parliament in November 2001 (Cm 5294). The expenditure plans 200102 to 200304 for programmes within the Department's predecessor, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, were set out in that Department's Annual Report 2001 (Cm 5105) and for programmes previously in the Home Office in that Department's Annual Report 2001 (Cm 5106). An analysis is not readily available of the allocation of funds or specific initiatives between (i) the private sector, (ii) the voluntary sector and (iii) local authorities.

Housing Authorities

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the advantages are of stock transfer for housing authorities under the proposed local prudential capital expenditure regime.

Sally Keeble: The Department makes it clear that it is for local authorities to consider the relative advantages of the different financial and management options available for their housing stock.

Former Railway Routes

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will protect former railway routes for future railway use.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority retains land with a realistic prospect of rail or other transport use in the foreseeable future, or sells it to the rail industry, local authorities or others, for those purposes. Under a new licence condition that came into effect on 15 November 2001, Railtrack plc must now seek the Rail Regulator's specific consent in important cases of disposal of land that may be required for future railway use.

Rail Services (South-west)

Candy Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the impact the proposed investment in rail services in the south-west will have on journey times between (a) Penzance and Paddington and (b) Exeter and Waterloo; and if targets have been set for revised journey times;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on projected increases in train frequency between (a) Exeter and Waterloo and (b) Penzance and Paddington by 2005;
	(3)  what the projected total levels of investment are for the (a) Penzance to Paddington and (b) Exeter to Waterloo rail routes under the SRA strategic plan.

David Jamieson: For both routes the main purpose of the proposed infrastructure investment is to improve the reliability of services. There may be marginal improvements in scheduled journey times as a consequence. No targets have been set for revised journey times.
	There are seven Incremental Outputs Statement (IOS) infrastructure schemes planned for the Penzance to Paddington route with a current estimated value of over 25 million, and at least 13 stations on the route are due for improvements under the IOS stations programme. The frequency of services is unlikely to alter by 2005, although an IOS scheme currently under consideration could increase the level of service from Plymouth to Paddington to two trains per hour.
	On the Waterloo-Exeter route, 14 stations are included in the IOS stations programme. The value of the IOS stations work will not be known until site visits assessing the level of improvements needed has been completed. The SRA is currently awaiting the outcome of the South West Area Regional Multi-Modal Study to see if any rail infrastructure improvements are recommended. There are no current plans to increase frequency on the Waterloo to Exeter line by 2005. South West Trains introduced a regular half-hourly service instead of the previous hourly service in May 2001.

Rail Services (South-west)

Candy Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent representations he has received regarding investment in branch lines in Cornwall.

David Jamieson: Representations have recently been received regarding investment in the Truro to Falmouth branch line.

Affordable Housing

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2001, Official Report, column 976W, on affordable housing, what representations he has received regarding the number of affordable housing units in rural areas.

Sally Keeble: holding answer 24 January 2002
	Over the past three months DTLR Ministers have replied to three letters and four parliamentary questions on the issue of rural affordable housing. Affordable housing provision is a key priority for this Government and in this correspondence we outlined the measures we are taking to increase provision in rural areas.
	Over the same period, my noble Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning has discussed rural affordable housing in several meetings with the Countryside Agency, with whom we have a good working relationship.

Waverley Station, Edinburgh

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects detailed plans for the investment in Waverley station in Edinburgh will be brought forward.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority explained in their strategic plan that they and the Scottish Executive are in discussion with Railtrack about how best to take the project forward.

SRA Strategic Plan

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  how much of the proposed expenditure announced in the SRA strategic plan will be spent in Scotland (a) in monetary terms and (b) as a proportion of the total spending;
	(2)  if he will provide a breakdown of total expenditure announced in the SRA strategic plan by nations and regions of the UK;
	(3)  how much of the proposed expenditure on new rail infrastructure announced in the SRA strategic plan will be spent in Scotland (a) in monetary terms and (b) as a proportion of the total spending;
	(4)  how much of the proposed expenditure on new trains announced in the SRA strategic plan will be spent in Scotland (a) in monetary terms and (b) as a proportion of the total spending.

David Jamieson: The total public sector expenditure proposed in the Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA's) strategic plan is 33.5 billion. Many individual rail projects and improvements negotiated through franchise agreements, particularly the larger projects and improvements, will benefit more than one part of the country. The SRA has therefore not attempted to break down its planned expenditure on a regional basis.

SRA Strategic Plan

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many of the proposals announced on 14 January in the SRA strategic plan that relate to Scotland had been announced previously.

David Jamieson: The plan sets out for the first time a prioritised list of schemes to be taken forward, and estimates the resources needed to deliver them.

Airport Rail Links

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports will be completed by 2010.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA's) strategic plan sets out its short, medium and long-term priorities, including those for completion by 2010. Improved rail links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports have been identified as schemes for further development. Detailed economic and engineering studies of options are being led by the Scottish Executive in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, BAA and the SRA.

Train Drivers

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many train drivers (a) in total and (b) subdivided by train operating company worked on Britain's railways for each (i) year and (ii) month since 1988.

David Jamieson: This information is not held centrally. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is encouraging train operating companies to recruit sufficient drivers to meet their service obligations.

Road Fuel (Consumer Information)

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans his Department has to give consumers information relating to the (a) fuel consumption and (b) carbon dioxide emissions of new cars in a form which (i) makes possible comparisons with cars of a similar size and (ii) is based on the colour-coded appliance energy label scheme.

David Jamieson: The Department will shortly be consulting on future developments of the EU scheme under which information on fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions is required to be displayed on labels on new passenger cars offered for sale. The consultation will focus in particular on options for banded labelling. We expect that this will result in a pilot scheme of banded label and/or focus group studies of the preferred options. We will draw on our experience of this, and of ongoing research when negotiating in the EU on development of the labelling scheme.

Secure Stations Scheme

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the stations accredited as of 16 January, or the latest date for which information is available under the Secure Stations scheme.

Sally Keeble: The list set out records the name of each of the 132 stations accredited under the Secure Stations scheme as of 21 January 2002.
	The percentage of stations accredited under the scheme is small in relation to the number of stations eligible to be accredited under the scheme. However, the accredited stations account for approximately one third of the total annual passenger throughput of overground rail journeys.
	Barking (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Basildon (c2c Rail Ltd.) 1
	Benfleet (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Chafford Hundred (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Chalkwell (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Dagenham Dock (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	East Tilbury (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Fenchurch Street (c2c Rail Ltd.) 1
	Grays (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Laindon (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Leigh-on-Sea (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Limehouse (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Ockendon (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Pitsea (c2c Rail Limited)
	Purfleet (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Rainham (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Shoeburyness (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Southend Central (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Southend East (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Stanford-Le-Hope (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Thorpe Bay (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Tilbury Town (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Upminster (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	West Horndon (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Westcliff (c2c Rail Ltd.)
	Marylebone Rail (Chiltern) 1
	Stoke Mandevile (Chiltern)
	Chipstead (Connex South Central Ltd.)
	Dorking (Connex South Central Ltd.)
	Eastbourne (Connex South Central Ltd.)
	Horsham (Connex South Central Ltd.)
	Oxted (Connex South Central Ltd.)
	Tattenham Corner (Connex South Central Ltd.)
	Worthing (Connex South Central Ltd.)
	Belvedere (Connex South Eastern)
	Charlton (Connex South Eastern)
	Greenwich (Connex South Eastern)
	Hither Green (Connex South Eastern)
	Maidstone West (Connex South Eastern)
	Orpington (Connex South Eastern)
	Ashford International (Eurostar) 1
	Waterloo International (Eurostar) [reaccredited] 1
	Gatwick (Gatwick Station Services)
	Chelmsford (Great Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	Berwick Upon Tweed (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	Doncaster (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	Dunbar (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	Durham (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	Newark Northgate (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.) 1
	Retford (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	Wakefield Westgate (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	York (Great North Eastern Railway Ltd.)
	Chippingham (Great Western Railway Ltd.)
	St. Pancras (London and Continental Stations and Property Ltd.)
	Charing Cross (LUL)
	Edgware Road (Bakerloo) (LUL)
	Elephant and Castle (LUL)
	Kilburn Park (LUL)
	Lambeth North (LUL)
	Maida Vale (LUL)
	Marylebone (LUL)
	Oxford Circus (LUL)
	Piccadilly Circus (LUL)
	Regents Park (LUL)
	Warwick Avenue (LUL)
	Derby (Midland Main Line) 1
	Kettering (Midland Main Line)
	Leicester (Midland Main Line) 1
	Market Harborough (Midland Main Line) 1
	Birmingham New Street (Railtrack)
	Charing Cross (Railtrack)
	Edinburgh Waverley (Railtrack Ltd.)
	Euston (Railtrack)
	Glasgow Central High Level 1
	Kings Cross rail (Railtrack)
	Leeds City (Railtrack)
	Liverpool Street (Railtrack)
	London Bridge (Railtrack)
	Manchester Piccadilly (Railtrack) 1
	Paddington (Railtrack)
	Victoria Rail (Railtrack) 1
	Waterloo (Railtrack)
	Kew Gardens (Silverlink Train Services)
	Alton (South West Trains)
	Andover (South West Trains)
	Ascot (South West Trains)
	Basingstoke (South West Trains)
	Bracknell (South West Trains)
	Eastleigh (South West Trains)
	Fareham (South West Trains)
	Farnborough (South West Trains)
	Farnham (South West Trains)
	Feltham (South West Trains)
	Fratton (South West Trains)
	Godalming (South West Trains)
	Guildford (South West Trains)
	Haslemere (South West Trains)
	Havant (South West Trains)
	Hounslow (South West Trains)
	Kingston (South West Trains) 1
	Petersfield (South West Trains)
	Portsmouth Harbour (South West Trains)
	Putney (South West Trains)
	Richmond (South West Trains) 1
	Salisbury (South West Trains)
	Southampton Airport Parkway (South West Trains)
	Southampton Central (South West Trains)
	Surbiton (South West Trains)
	Twickenham (South West Trains)
	Wimbledon (South West Trains)
	Winchester (South West Trains)
	Windsor and Eton Riverside (South West Trains)
	Woking (South West Trains)
	Bourne End (Thames Trains Ltd.)
	Windsor and Eton Central (Thames Trains Ltd.)
	City Thameslink (Thameslink)
	Haydons Road (Thameslink)
	Morden South (Thameslink)
	South Merton (Thameslink)
	St. Helier (Thameslink)
	Sutton Common (Thameslink)
	Tooting (Thameslink)
	West Sutton (Thameslink)
	Wimbledon Chase (Thameslink)
	Lancaster (Virgin Trains)
	Oxenholme (Virgin Trains)
	Barnstaple (Wales and West)
	Exeter Central (Wales and West)
	Gloucester (Wales and West)
	Penzance (Wales and West)
	Truro (Wales and West)
	Weston-super-Mare (Wales and West).
	1 reaccredited

Millennium Dome

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions at what stage negotiations are with Meridian Delta over the sale of the Millennium Dome; when he expects negotiations to be completed; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, to my hon. Friend the Member for Eccles (Ian Stewart) on 18 December 2001, Official Report, columns 22021W. Negotiations are on-going between English Partnerships and Meridian Delta Ltd.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what financial assistance the Government have given to the World Health Organisation's study into deep vein thrombosis;
	(2)  pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Smith) of 16 January 2002, Official Report, columns 33637W, what target the World Health Organisation has set for the completion of their study into deep vein thrombosis;
	(3)  pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Smith) of 16 January 2002, Official Report, columns 33637W, what representations he (a) has made and (b) plans to make to the World Health Organisation as part of their study into deep vein thrombosis.

David Jamieson: Officials from the Department of Health and from my Department have made a number of visits to the World Health Organisation in Geneva to discuss the scope and organisation of its proposed study into deep vein thrombosis. A further visit is planned shortly. A decision on funding will be made when those discussions are completed. The WHO estimates that the study will take approximately two and a half years to complete. Assuming the World Health Organisation secures the necessary funding in the early part of this year, the study should be completed by the end of 2004.

Mobile Phone Masts

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many letters his Department has received from residents of the Buckingham constituency (a) in favour and (b) opposed to the erection of mobile phone masts in the last year.

Sally Keeble: The Department has received centrally five letters from members of the public in Buckinghamshire about the erection of mobile phone masts. All of these letters were either opposed to the erection of an individual mobile phone mast and/or requested clarification of our telecommunications planning policy.

Mobile Phone Masts

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many mobile phone masts there were in Buckingham constituency in each of the last five years.

Sally Keeble: The Department does not hold information about the number or locations of existing mobile phone masts.
	However, the Radiocommunications Agency has made information available to the public via their website (www.radio.gov.uk). The database, called Sitefinder, gives details about all operational mobile phone base stations and their emissions. Sitefinder employs a user-friendly map-based facility indicating the location of cellular phone base stations. More information on a particular base station is available by simply clicking on the position indicator for the base station in question.

Mobile Phone Masts

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers he has to ensure that mobile telecommunication companies share masts.

Sally Keeble: The Government's policy is firmly to encourage mast and site sharing where that is the optimum environmental solution in a particular case. Indeed, conditions attached to individual operating licences by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry include a requirement to investigate mast sharing before seeking to put up any new mast.
	Planning Policy Guidance Note 8, Telecommunications, makes clear our expectation that developers should provide the local planning authority with clear evidence that they have considered the use of existing masts, buildings and other structures before seeking to erect any new mast, regardless of size. The authority may be justified in refusing prior approval or planning permissions if it considers the evidence regarding the consideration of alternative sites is not satisfactory.

English Nature

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he plans that English Nature should remain a statutory consultee on proposed regional spatial strategies, local development frameworks, action plans and planning applications; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: The consultation paper Planning: Delivering a Fundamental Change sets out the Government's proposals to overhaul the planning system. One option proposed is to clarify the status of statutory consultees and reduce their number. Decisions about which bodies might be in future be statutory consultees will be made in the light of consultation.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it is his policy to continue the Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

Sally Keeble: We hope shortly to reach a decision on the voluntary pilot tenancy deposit scheme and on such alternative options as there might be for safeguarding tenants' deposits from unjustified appropriation by landlords.

Overnight Parking (Residential Areas)

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to extend to smaller lorries and vans the ban on parking overnight in residential areas; and if he will make a statement.

Sally Keeble: Control of parking on local roads is a matter for local traffic authorities using their powers under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. They are in the best position to address problems taking account of particular local circumstances. Generally, goods vehicles with a gross plated weight of more than 3.5 tonnes or an unladen weight of more than 1525kg have operator licensing controls on them, which require them to be kept at an operating centre specified in the licence when not in use. The Government have no plans to ban the overnight parking on residential roads of smaller lorries and vans.

English Partnerships

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which organisations have made submissions to stage 1 of the English Partnerships review; and if he will place the submissions in the Library.

Sally Keeble: Submissions have been made by the New Town Special Interest Group, the Coalfield Communities Campaign, Telford and Wrekin council, National Housing Federation, Harlow council, The Woodland Trust, and the Government office for the west midlands. The regional development agencies submitted a joint response. Further correspondence has been received from a number of individuals and organisations.
	Submissions will be placed in the Library at the conclusion of the review.

Campaign Medal

Janet Dean: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will review the eligibility of the merchant seamen who served while on convoy to Russia for a campaign medal; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: A 1946 Merchant Shipping Notice (M Notice) issued in 1946 gives information about the individual campaign medals which are issued to merchant seamen who served in the 193945 war and the qualifying conditions for their award. The M Notice specifically states that service covered by the 193945 Star includes voyages in the North sea, Baltic and Arctic ocean between Greenland and longitude 70.E. Similarly the Atlantic Star includes service convoys to the north of Russia; therefore the existing campaign stars cover the service in the Arctic Campaign.
	There have been several requests over many years for a separate Arctic Convoy medal. However, this Government, in line with decision of previous post war Governments, continue to uphold the ruling given in 1946 by the Interdepartmental Committee on Honours, Decorations and Medals, that no further consideration would be given to awards for 193945 service.

Regional Planning

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions 
	(1)  what the total cost to his Department was of producing regional planning guidance for the English regions;
	(2)  what was (a) the total bill for salaries and expenses for board members, (b) the administrative operating costs and (c) the total annual budget in the latest year for which figures are available for each regional planning conference in England.

Sally Keeble: Details of the costs incurred by all regional planning bodies in producing draft regional planning guidance are not available to the Department. These bodies, which range from local authorities acting collectively to voluntary regional chambers, are neither appointed by nor report to the Department but are recognised by it for the purposes of preparing and monitoring regional planning guidance. The Department contributes some 6 million a year to the upper tier local authorities on an unhypothecated basis towards the costs of producing and monitoring regional planning guidance. In addition it has an annual budget of approximately 1 million a year for running the public examinations and research. The annual staff costs of the Department and Government offices for this work are approximately 800,000.

Train Operating Companies

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the projected requirements are for public subsidy to the train operating companies over the period of the 10 year plan.

David Jamieson: The reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Lynne Jones) on 23 January 2002, Official Report, columns 87172W, outlines the estimated profile of available Government resource (revenue) support. It is impossible to place precise figures on how much of this will be received by the train operating companies in advance of future commercial negotiations through the refranchising process.

National Rail Academy

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which organisation has responsibility for taking the lead in establishing the national rail academy.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority has the lead responsibility in establishing the national rail academy with the active involvement and support of the Rail Industry Training Council, the national training organisation for the rail industry.

National Rail Academy

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement of 14 January 2002, Official Report, columns 305w, what progress has been made in establishing the national academy for the railways, with special reference to the training of engine drivers.

David Jamieson: A cross-industry task force is being established to define the scope, aims, funding and modus operandi of a national rail academy. The training of drivers will figure in this work along with the other skills needs of the industry.

National Rail Academy

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects the proposed national rail academy to commence operations.

David Jamieson: A cross-industry task force is being established to define the scope, aims, projected modus operandi and the funding requirements of national rail academy. This will provide the basis for full consultation with the industry with a view to operations commencing as soon as is reasonably practical.

Low-cost Airlines

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has made to the German Government about access to the German marketplace for low-cost airlines.

David Jamieson: None.

European Interoperability Directives

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many stations would require alteration works to enable Britain to comply fully with European interoperability directives.

David Jamieson: Existing stations are only required to comply with the interoperability directives when work is being undertaken on them. No assessment can be made of the alterations required, such as platform lengths and heights, until the technical specifications for interoperability (TSIs) for the conventional rail network have been drafted. This process has only just begun and is not expected to be completed before 2004. The UK is involved in the TSI drafting process and will be seeking to ensure that they take account of the characteristics of the British network.

Ports

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which UK ports levy port charges; and what the level of the fees is in each case.

David Jamieson: Payment of port charges is a condition of the public right to use any harbour for which there is a statutory harbour authority. The level of such charges has not required the approval of Government since the Harbours Act 1964 and central records of charges are not kept. However, the 1964 Act does require that charges in particular ports are advertised in the harbour by the harbour authority.

St. Kevin's Playing Fields

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will review Knowsley borough council's proposals for St. Kevin's playing fields in Kirkby following changes to the earlier proposals which he has considered.

Sally Keeble: Since the Secretary of State's decision on the planning application for the site has been issued he has no further jurisdiction in the matter.

Council Housing (Birmingham)

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what information he has collated on the average (a) market value based on right to buy sales, (b) adjusted vacant possession value and (c) value for stock transfer purposes of council houses in Birmingham.

Sally Keeble: The values requested are not for comparable transactions. The price payable under the Right to Buy is the open market value of the house, less a significant discount based on the number of years the purchaser has been a local authority tenant. Tenants who buy their home through RTB are subsequently free to sell the house on the open market. The value of transferring stock is determined by what is known as tenanted market value. This reflects that the property is sold with sitting tenants and with an obligation for the properties to be retained for social housing tenants. Tenanted market value is based on the income from rents the landlord will receive, less an estimate for the cost of management and repairs for the next 30 years.
	(a) The average market value before discount of council houses only (ie excluding flats) sold on a right to buy basis by Birmingham in 200001 was 38,094.
	(b) The average vacant possession value of Birmingham's city council's dwellings (ie both houses and flats) as at April 2001 was estimated to be 28,978 at January prices.
	(c) The average value of council dwellings (ie both houses and flats) in Birmingham for stock transfer purposes is estimated to be 3,032 per unit.

Neighbourhood Renewal

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment has been made by the Government of the administrative requirements on voluntary and community organisations applying to the Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chests.

Sally Keeble: holding answer 24 January 2002
	The Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest will provide funding to stimulate and support community activity in deprived areas. The Community Chest programme is administered through local voluntary sector organisations who are best placed to ensure that local groups are not prevented from applying because of administrative constraints. The Government want to rationalise and simplify access to funding for community and voluntary groups and are undertaking a number of initiatives aimed at achieving this. Where appropriate we will revise the Community Chest to reflect the outcome of these initiatives.

Planning

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers he has to intervene in planning proposals in cases where he has already made a determination on outline proposals but detailed later proposals are at variance with those already considered.

Sally Keeble: The Secretary of State's power to call in planning applications for his own decision extends to applications for the approval of reserved matters. However, his policy is to be very selective about exercising his call-in powers. He will, in general, take this step only if planning issues of more than local importance are involved. Each case is considered on its individual facts.

Road Traffic Offences

Eric Joyce: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to amend the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

John Spellar: holding answer 25 January 2002
	There are no immediate plans to amend the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

Road Signage

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to issue new guidance on road signage to (a) the Highways Agency and (b) other highway authorities.

David Jamieson: We are currently consulting on draft revised guidance on the provision of traffic signs to tourist attractions and facilities on trunk roads and local roads in England, which we expect to publish in the summer. We are also preparing updated and revised Traffic Signs Regulations for publication later this year, and will be issuing guidance for all highway authorities on the changes made to the 1994 regulations, as well as publishing revised chapters 4 and 5 of the Traffic Signs Manual on the design and use of warning signs and road markings.

Urban Stock Transfers

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his policy is on help towards debt breakage costs for urban stock transfers; and what plans he has to change it.

Sally Keeble: The Department requires local authorities to meet the debt breakage costs incurred on repayment of housing attributable debt subsequent to a housing stock transfer. At present there are no plans to change this policy.

Green Waste

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it is the Government's policy to allow the re-use of green waste on farms without a requirement for planning permission.

Sally Keeble: The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 requires a planning application to be submitted for the importation of waste materials on to farms unless the waste is for use in certain specified engineering or building works. It is for local authorities in the first instance to determine whether planning permission is required.

Local Government Finance Report (England) 200203

Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received on the local government finance settlement for 200203; and what conclusions he has reached.

Nick Raynsford: I have today laid before the House the Local Government Finance Report (England) 200203. This report establishes the amounts of revenue support grant (RSG) and non-domestic rates (NDR) to be paid to local authorities in 200203, and the basis of their distribution. A draft of this report was issued for consultation on 4 December 2001, and updated information on grant allocations was published on 15 December and 28 December. The Department received a total of 386 written representations within the consultation deadlines from the Local Government Association and the Association of London Government, as well as from 334 local authorities, local authority groups and hon. Members.
	Having considered the views of the local authority associations and others who have commented on my initial proposals, I have decided to make two main changes to my original proposals on grant distribution.
	I have introduced an alternative baseline for 200102. This change, in effect, adjusts only for the transfers of service for which shire districts, police and fire authorities are responsible. In order to guarantee a minimum 2.3 per cent. increase, I have given these authorities whichever increase is greater2.3 per cent. on the original baseline, or 2.3 per cent. on the alternative.
	I have also made a change on the basis of the adjustment for the National Care Standards Commission transfer. We have concluded that it is correct to adjust only for the existing cost of local authority activity in this area. Otherwise, this change would have had adverse impacts for a number of authorities. After careful consideration, I have added extra money to the settlement to ensure that these authorities are reimbursed for the cost of this change.
	No local authority loses out as a result of these changes as I have added some 27 million to the total of RSG and NNDR I announced on 4 December.
	In addition, the final figures published today reflect the more accurate data that have become available since we published our proposals.
	This year's settlement provides a good increase in money for local authorities. For the first time every local authority has been given a grant increase at least in line with inflation and in many cases much higher. This will allow councils to improve services while setting reasonable council tax increases. There should be no reason for big increases. The Government have increased money for local councils by 20 per cent. over the last four years.
	This year, bills show clearly how much different tiers of authority are charging and by how much they have increased their part of the council tax. If any councils set substantial increases, their taxpayers and local electorate will have every reason to question their council's decision.
	I shall be sending copies of this report and a guide to the settlement to all authorities, together with tables showing each authority's Standard Spending Assessment and its entitlement to RSG and NDR. Copies of the report, tables, and the guide are available in the Vote Office and the Libraries of the House.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Gender Pay Gap (Northern Region)

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the ratio of female to male earnings in the northern region.

Alan Johnson: The gap between male and female earnings in the north-east Government office region has narrowed in recent years. According to the New Earnings Survey, conducted by the Office for National Statistics, average hourly pay for full-time employees, excluding overtime, in the north-east, was 8.99 for men and 7.26 for women in 1998, equivalent to a female to male ratio of 80.7 per cent. By 2001, the gender pay gap in the region had narrowed to 84.1 per cent. (10.08 for men and 8.48 for women), a reduction which can be attributed at least in part to the introduction of the national minimum wage. In Great Britain as a whole the gender pay gap has narrowed from 80.0 per cent. to 81.6 per cent. over the same period.

Correspondence

John Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects to answer the letter of 28 December from the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead regarding tobacco smuggling and the Guildford Depository.

Patricia Hewitt: The letter from the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead regarding tobacco smuggling and the Guilford Depository was answered on 20 January 2002.

Tanzania

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from the International Civil Aviation Organization on Tanzania's export control licences.

Nigel Griffiths: The Department of Trade and Industry's Export Control Organisation has received no representation from the International Civil Aviation Organization on Tanzania's export licences.

Postal Services

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of (a) first and (b) second class mail was delivered within the target time in the (i) UK, (ii) HP postcode area and (iii) MK postcode area in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Patricia Hewitt: This is an operational matter for Consignia, subject to the regulatory powers and duties of the Postal Services Commission in respect of service standards.
	I am advised by Consignia that in the year 200001 the percentage of first class mail delivered the next working day in the UK was 89 per cent., in the MK postcode area was 85 per cent. and in the HP postcode area was 91 per cent. The percentage of second class mail delivered within three working days in the UK was 98 per cent., in the MK postcode area was 97 per cent. and in the HP post code area was 98 per cent.

Post Office Network

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce) of 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 1034W, on sub-post offices, if she will list the funding allocated to each scheme.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 24 January 2002
	Further to the answer given to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce) on 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 1034W, the funding allocated to the five initiatives is:
	13,200 to Capel-le-Ferne, Kent
	1,669 to Goadby Marwood, Leicestershire
	208 to Risby, Herefordshire
	10,200 to Kirk Ireton, Derbyshire
	3,862 to Coleby, Lincolnshire.

Post Office Network

Colin Breed: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of Consignia's strategic plan to close post offices in rural communities; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 24 January 2002
	Consignia has submitted no such strategic plan. A formal requirement was placed on Consignia in November 2000 to maintain the rural network and to prevent avoidable closures and this remains in place and will apply in the first instance until 2006. Transitional financial assistance to the rural network is currently under consideration.

Post Office Network

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) post offices and (b) sub-post offices there are at present in Britain; how many post offices and sub-post offices have closed since (i) 1 January 1997 and (ii) May 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: At the end of September 2001, the latest available figures indicated that the post office network comprised 17,687 outlets of which 17,092 were sub-post offices. As at the end of March 1997 there were 19,251 post offices of which 18,645 were sub-post offices. I understand from Post Office Ltd. that figures at 1 January 1997 and May 1997 are not available.

Post Office Network

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the strategic plan for the future of the post office network recently submitted to her by Consignia; what proposals are made in this plan to change the size of the post office network; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: Consignia has submitted no such strategic plan. The Government are committed to the maintenance of a nationwide network of post offices.

Business Links

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses used business links in each year since 1995, broken down by region; and how many of these inquiries were the result of initial contact with the Small Business Service.

Nigel Griffiths: The table shows how many businesses used Business Links in each year since 199697; data for 199596 are not available. A business that receives advice twice within a quarter is counted only once but a business that receives assistance in separate quarters will be counted in each quarter.
	Between April 2001 and September 2001, over 12,000 inquiries were referred to Business Links from initial contact with SBS service providers. Earlier data are not available.
	
		Number of businesses using Business Link
		
			   199596 199697(14) 199798(14) 199899 19992000 200001 200102(15) 
		
		
			 England (16) 455,339 439,604 393,580 419,294 400,813 335,150 
			 North East (16) 37,317 26,954 18,348 22,466 16,577 14,063 
			 North West (16) 79,752 89,056 74,925 75,215 77,930 39,680 
			 Yorkshire and Humber (16) 29,938 40,232 39,577 44,587 38,678 53,743 
			 East Midlands (16) 32,445 25,398 26,635 30,111 24,997 20,845 
			 West Midlands (16) 67,213 49,214 49,176 57,758 53,628 33,229 
			 East of England (16) 71,512 72,346 45,599 47,525 45,072 54,074 
			 London (16) 37,541 36,767 39,877 42,647 36,944 17,779 
			 South East (16) 58,048 59,496 60,928 62,517 72,088 41,979 
			 South West (16) 41,573 40,141 38,515 36,468 34,898 59,758 
		
	
	(14) Usage includes non-business assistance
	(15) Quarter 4 data not included, quarter 3 data subject to validation procedures
	(16) Not available
	Source:
	Business Link Management Information returns

Regional Development Agencies

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was (a) the total bill for salaries and expenses for board members, (b) the administrative operating costs for each and (c) the total annual budget in the latest year for which figures are available for each of the regional development agencies in England.

Alan Johnson: The RDAs' net annual budget and administrative costs for the financial year 200102 are as follows:
	
		000s 
		
			 Regional development agency Net budget (excluding receipts) Administration budget 
		
		
			 One North East 161,653 12,853 
			 North West Development Agency 281,089 14,956 
			 Yorkshire Forward 245,437 9,989 
			 East Midlands Development Agency 96,940 7,528 
			 Advantage West Midlands 170,721 8,793 
			 East of England Development Agency 62,113 5,836 
			 South East of England Development Agency 108,859 7,143 
			 South West of England Regional Development Agency 92,059 9,099 
			 London Development Agency 298,139 9,470 
			  
			 Total 1,517,010 85,667 
		
	
	These are the latest figures available and are excluding receipts. The changes from the original budget reflects in-year additional funding for things such as the Business Recovery fund to help small businesses deal with the foot and mouth crisis and new programmes such as the regional centres of manufacturing excellence.
	The RDA board members' salaries and expenses for the financial year 200001 are as follows:
	
		000s 
		
			 Regional Development Agency Total Salaries for board members Total Expenses for board members 
		
		
			 One North East 139 14 
			 North West Development Agency 139 29 
			 Yorkshire Forward 120 7 
			 East Midlands Development Agency 148 19 
			 Advantage West Midlands 138 15 
			 East of England Development Agency 148 21 
			 South East of England Development Agency 152 17 
			 South West of England Regional Development Agency 146 34 
			  
			 Total 1130 156 
		
	
	Note:
	All figures have been rounded to the nears 000.
	London Development Agency board members are the responsibility of the Greater London Authority.
	The total salaries for board members of each region vary for a number of reasons, such as: numbers of members, date of appointment, some members waive their fees and some members have additional responsibilities for which they are remunerated. The figures for board members' salaries are taken from the RDAs' annual accounts for 200001.

Fixed Term Work Directive

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her plans to implement the European directive on fixed term work.

Alan Johnson: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-West (Dr. Naysmith) on 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 561W.

Government Payment Performance

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the average number of days from the date of invoice to date of payment taken by Government Departments and non-departmental agencies during 2001 to pay accounts payable.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government take this issue very seriously and are working hard to improve their payment performance.
	All Government Departments and agencies have been required to monitor their payment performance, and are required to pay all valid invoices within 30 days or other agreed credit period.
	My Department collects the payment performance figures, which are published annually in July.
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Great Yarmouth (Mr. Wright) on 19 July 2001, Official Report, column 322W.

Regulations

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new regulatory measures in relation to business the Government have introduced in the last year; and how many have ceased to have effect.

Patricia Hewitt: The Department was responsible for 100 regulations introduced since 1 January 2001. Of these regulations 83 imposed negligible or no costs on business and eight have saved costs.
	Records relating to repealed regulations are not held centrally. The information requested could be obtained and collated only at disproportionate cost.

Telecommunications

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her estimate is of the net change in employment levels in the telecommunications and telecommunications equipment industries in 2002.

Patricia Hewitt: 2002 is likely to be a year of transition for both the telecommunications services and the telecommunications equipment industries following dramatic global restructuring in 2001. Given the pace of change in these sectors, it is not possible to predict the net impact on employment in 2002.

Broadband

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to ensure that by 2005 Britain will have the most competitive and extensive broadband network in the G7.

Patricia Hewitt: We set out the Government strategy for broadband in the UK Online report on 3 December. This report can be found on the website of the e-envoy http://www.-envoy.gov.uk/ukonline/championsh/ anrepmenu.htm.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of recruitment agencies specialise in (a) IT recruitment, (b) secretarial recruitment, (c) health care recruitment and (d) transport industries recruitment; and how many recruitment agencies are classified as SMEs.

Alan Johnson: I have no detailed breakdown of the private recruitment industry by particular specialist areas, since many agencies and employment businesses provide work-finding services for a number of occupations. However, we estimate that of around 20,000 establishments in the industry, about 10 per cent. specialise in IT recruitment and almost 5 per cent. are licensed nurses agencies. While this industry is made up predominantly of small firms, I have no details of the number of establishments which would be classified as SMEs.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Recruitment and Employment Confederation has withdrawn support for the proposals in the draft regulations on the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2001; and what plans she has to hold further discussions with the Confederation.

Alan Johnson: I have received no indication that the Recruitment and Employment Confederation has changed its position on the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations. I currently have no plans for further meetings with the Confederation but my officials have regular meetings with its representatives.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many representations her Department has received on her proposals for quarantine periods in the legislative framework governing agency conduct; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: During the latest consultation exercise on the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations, we received 80 representations containing comments on the proposed quarantine provisions.
	The principles underlying our proposals on the quarantine periods to apply to the payment of transfer fees are in line with suggestions made by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, the principal trade association in the private recruitment industry.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which individuals and organisations will be invited to respond to the further consultation on the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations.

Alan Johnson: The further consultation on certain aspects of the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations will cover all those consulted last time. These regulations will also be placed on the DTI website.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies her Department has conducted into the length of time an IT professional placed through a personal services agency must be in post to recoup an agency's initial costs.

Alan Johnson: The Department has undertaken no studies into the length of time an IT professional placed through a personal services agency must be in post in order to recoup the initial costs of the placement incurred by an employment business. Such information would be regarded as commercially confidential by the industry.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to exempt from the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations those temporary staff who choose to operate through personal service companies; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: I have no plans to exempt work-seekers who choose to operate through personal service companies from the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations.
	When the existing Conduct Regulations were introduced in 1975, it was very unusual for workers to be incorporated, and those working through limited companies were, therefore, left outside the protection provided. However, in recent years, incorporation has become widespread in some sectors, notably IT, and I think we should ensure that these work-seekers are also covered by the protections provided in the proposed regulations.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to meet representatives of the Association of Technology Staffing Companies during the further consultation period for the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations.

Alan Johnson: I have no current plans to meet representatives of the Association of Technology Staffing Companies during the further consultation on certain aspects of the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  if she will make a statement on the length of time it has taken to draft the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2001 and the costs involved;
	(2)  what her timetable is for the completion of the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations;
	(3)  if she will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in laying the revision of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations before the House.

Alan Johnson: The draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations comprise a large and detailed package, covering a wide range of issues. We have taken the time necessary to undertake extensive consultation exercises and discuss these issues with the recruitment industry. It is important to ensure that the new regulations are right for the industry, since they are likely to stay in place for some time.
	I expect to issue the revised draft regulations shortly, following a short consultation exercise on certain aspects of these regulations.
	I have no estimate of the costs involved in drafting these regulations.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recommendations the Better Regulation Task Force has made on revising the existing Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: In 1999 the Better Regulation Task Force suggested alternative options for the transfer fee proposals in the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations.
	The task force welcomed the Government's review of the existing Conduct Regulations and endorsed our objectives. In particular, it supported our aims of improving the protections for vulnerable people and excluded groups, while avoiding placing unnecessary burdens on the private recruitment industry. The task force shares the Government's view that this industry has a vital role to play in the economy. After further discussions with the industry we decided to adopt a modified version of one of the task force's proposals.

Recruitment Agencies

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with the Recruitment and Employment Federation on the temporary recruitment industry.

Alan Johnson: I have discussed a range of issues affecting the private recruitment industry with representatives of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). At my last meeting with the REC on 9 October 2001, the subjects covered included the draft Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations and the proposed EU Directive on agency workers.

Icelandic Trawlermen (Compensation)

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims for compensation have been paid to former Icelandic trawlermen, since her Department's decision on the post-79 issue; and how many remain to be paid.

Nigel Griffiths: Since 26 October 2000, when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced an additional 10 million being made available to former Icelandic trawlermen, 928 claims have been paid.
	There are currently 284 claims where further information is required before entitlement to compensation can be assessed and a further 386 which are in the process of being paid.

Icelandic Trawlermen (Compensation)

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many payments have been made to former Icelandic trawlermen; and what the total amount of compensation claims paid is, broken down in each case by port.

Nigel Griffiths: The figures as of 23 January 2002 are as follows:
	
		
			 Current area of residence of claimant Number of payments Amount of compensation () 
		
		
			 Hull 1,370 15.3m 
			 Grimsby 497 3.8m 
			 Fleetwood 256 2.5m 
			 Blackpool 38 311k 
			 Cleethorpes 134 1.1m 
			 Newcastle 260 2.9m 
			 West Yorkshire 162 1.5m 
			 Aberdeen 117 671k 
			 Others 362 3m 
			  
			 Total 3,196 31m

National Minimum Wage

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact of the national minimum wage in the (a) Cleethorpes and (b) Grimsby constituency.

Alan Johnson: Estimates for parliamentary constituencies are not available. Between spring 1998 and 2001, there has been a reduction of around 120,000 in the number of jobs paying less than the national minimum wage rates in Yorks and Humberside.

Faulty Goods

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to introduce legislation to require retailers and manufacturers to repair faulty goods within a given time scale; and if she will make a statement.

Melanie Johnson: holding answer 24 January 2002
	When the Sale of Consumer Goods Directive (1999/44EC) is transposed into UK law later this year, it will give consumers a legal right to repair, carried out within a reasonable time, if goods do not conform to contract.

Export Credits Guarantee Department

Paul Stinchcombe: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total sum is of (a) premiums received by the Export Credits Guarantee Department, and (b) claims paid out by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in the financial years of (i) 200001 and (ii) 200102.

Patricia Hewitt: Using the published annual report and the provisional figures to December the figures are as follows:
	
		 million 
		
			 Financial year 200001 200102(17) 
		
		
			 Earned premium 109.5 57.5 
			 Claims authorised 298.0 180.1 
		
	
	(17) Provisional to end December 2001
	The claims figures relate mostly to business with Indonesia that has been rescheduled and which ECGD expects to recover in the fullness of time. These claims are in respect of business supported before the years indicated.

Public Appointments

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 671W, on public appointments, if she will list the bodies with the names of those appointed.

Patricia Hewitt: My answer of 10 December gave the number of appointments made between 7 June and 30 November as 167. Details of the bodies to which the appointments were made and the names of the appointees have been placed in the Libraries of the House, together with details of a further 11 who were appointed to the research councils in that period but whose numbers were inadvertently omitted from the original figure of 167. The total number of appointments in the period concerned was in fact 178.

Departmental Expenditure

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 18 January 2001, Official Report, column 508W, on departmental expenditure, if she will state the calculation by which she reached her answer; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: For each loan refinanced, ECGD calculates the savings generated by the reduction in the guaranteed return paid to the lending banks and the savings generated by using HMG funding as compared to alternative fixed funding over the life of the loan. The figure of 75 million represents the sum of these savings for all cases refinanced in this way up to 31 March 2001.

Climate Change Levy

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her estimate is of the net cost of the climate change levy to the manufacturing sector.

Paul Boateng: I have been asked to reply.
	It is not possible to say what the precise effect of the climate change levy will be on any one particular sector.

Government Supplies

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's policy is regarding credit checking its supplier companies and traders.

Andrew Smith: I have been asked to reply.
	The Office of Government Commerce published new guidance on the financial appraisal of suppliers in October 2001. The guidance stresses that while credit ratings are useful indicators they should not be used as a substitute for a more detailed financial examination of prospective suppliers.
	A copy of Supplier Financial Appraisal Guidance is available on the Office of Government Commerce website at: www.ogc.gov.uk/ogc/publications.nsf/pages/ publications.html.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Transfer of Functions

David Rendel: To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick- upon-Tweed, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, if the additional costs relating to the transfer of the functions of the Local Government Commission for England to the Electoral Commission will be met in advance of the transfer date of 1 April 2002 provided for in the Local Government Commission for England (Transfer of Functions) Order 2001 (SI2001/ 3962).

Alan Beith: In order to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the transfer and to enable the transferring local government boundary review functions, together with the related functions transferring from the Secretary of State for Local Government, Transport and the Regions, to be carried out without interruption, urgent expenditure estimated at 127,000 will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Council Tax (Police Costs)

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list, by police authority, the police element of council tax per head for each year since 199596 and the percentage change (a) in each year and (b) for the whole period.

Alan Whitehead: I have been asked to reply.
	A table showing the police authority council tax for each year since 199596 per head of population and the percentage change in each year, and for the whole period, has been placed in the House of Commons Library. The figures per head of population include council tax that is met by council tax benefit.

Police Grant

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he plans to allocate police grant in 200203; and what the final funding allocations for police authorities will be for that year.

John Denham: I have today laid before the House the Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 200203 (HC 533). The report sets out my determination for 200203 of the aggregate amount of grants that I propose to pay under section 46(2) of the Police Act 1996, and the amount to be paid to each police authority and to the Greater London Authority for the Metropolitan Police Authority.
	
		Allocations of police grant: 200203 -- 
		
			   Grant allocations Transitional grants Total 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset 91,025,174 0 91,025,174 
			 Bedfordshire 34,313,252 0 34,313,252 
			 Cambridgeshire 40,842,075 0 40,842,075 
			 Cheshire 59,689,589 0 59,689,589 
			 City of London 29,843,245 0 29,843,245 
			 Cleveland 44,723,013 0 44,723,013 
			 Cumbria 32,733,488 0 32,733,488 
			 Derbyshire 56,470,734 0 56,470,734 
			 Devon and Cornwall 94,722,350 0 94,722,350 
			 Dorset 37,600,585 0 37,600,585 
			 Durham 43,958,181 0 43,958,181 
			 Dyfed-Powys 28,173,194 0 28,173,194 
			 Essex 92,346,333 0 92,346,333 
			 Gloucestershire 33,653,863 0 33,653,863 
			 Greater Manchester 203,722,362 0 203,722,362 
			 Gwent 37,640,172 0 37,640,172 
			 Hampshire 108,365,042 0 108,365,042 
			 Hertfordshire 61,640,063 300,000 61,940,063 
			 Humberside 60,476,986 0 60,476,986 
			 Kent 102,446,510 0 102,446,510 
			 Lancashire 97,392,588 0 97,392,588 
			 Leicestershire 55,659,650 0 55,659,650 
			 Lincolnshire 34,305,310 0 34,305,310 
			 Merseyside 126,336,316 0 126,336,316 
			 Metropolitan police 1,015,895,687 0 1,015,895,687 
			 Norfolk 46,284,453 0 46,284,453 
			 North Wales 41,105,875 0 41,105,875 
			 North Yorkshire 42,026,127 0 42,026,127 
			 Northamptonshire 35,505,178 0 35,505,178 
			 Northumbria 113,187,850 0 113,187,850 
			 Nottinghamshire 67,683,907 0 67,683,907 
			 South Wales 89,252,826 0 89,252,826 
			 South Yorkshire 92,071,806 0 92,071,806 
			 Staffordshire 60,965,947 0 60,965,947 
			 Suffolk 37,702,731 0 37,702,731 
			 Surrey 54,442,942 800,000 55,242,942 
			 Sussex 91,312,691 0 91,312,691 
			 Thames Valley 122,386,580 0 122,386,580 
			 Warwickshire 28,078,851 0 28,078,851 
			 West Mercia 61,765,548 0 61,765,548 
			 West Midlands 206,139,660 0 206,139,660 
			 West Yorkshire 155,924,778 0 155,924,778 
			 Wiltshire 34,566,488 0 34,566,488 
			 
			 Totals
			 England 3,808,207,933 1,100,000 3,809,307,933 
			 Wales 196,172,067 0 196,172,067 
			 England and Wales 4,004,380,000 1,100,000 4,005,480,000

MI5

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many MI5 files were extant at 31 December 2001; how many were categorised as (a) green, (b) amber and (c) red in each category; and how many were (i) held on microfiche and (ii) held as hard-copy in each category.

David Blunkett: holding answer 22 January 2002
	The Security Service held approximately 360,000 files at the end of December 2001, of which 210,000 are personal files and of those 40,000 were on microfiche.
	There were 20,000 personal files categorised as green, the remainder being either amber or red.
	I cannot give an immediate breakdown between these categories but I will write to the hon. Member shortly with this information and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

Immigration Advisers

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) individuals and (b) organisations giving immigration advice for profit are (i) registered and (ii) in the process of registering with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioners.

Angela Eagle: I understand that, as of 18 January 2002, the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) had registered 135 immigration advisers in business for profit. Of these, 87 are sole practitioners and 48 are organisations comprising two or more practitioners. The OISC has under consideration 11 registration applications from sole practitioners and nine from organisations.

Immigration Advisers

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) individuals and (b) organisations giving immigration advice for profit have been refused registration with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner since 30 April 2001; and if he will publish a list of those individuals and organisations.

Angela Eagle: I understand that, as of 18 January 2002, the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) had refused to register 12 immigration advisers in business for profit of which eight are sole practitioners. Whether this information should be published is a matter for the OISC; I understand that there are no current plans to do so.

Probation Service

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were employed by the National Probation Service by division and function (a) on the last date for which figures are available and (b) in April 2001.

Beverley Hughes: The information requested is given in the tables.
	Information on staff in post by grade, gender and type of employment is collected at end June and end December each year. There is a separate collection of numbers of staff in post by grade, gender and ethnicity; this was annually from December 1995 to December 2000 but has now changed to a September and March basis starting September 2001.
	The numbers of probation officers in post fell between December 2000 and June 2001 because of the transfer of Family Court Welfare Work, and associated staff, to the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS) at 1 April 2001.
	The reduction in numbers of probation officers is a reflection of the loss of Family Court Welfare Officers. The Probation Service is no better or worse off, in terms of having enough staff, than before the transfer took place.
	The numbers exclude those in the National Probation Directorate (NPD). The numbers are purely those working in areas including Chief Officers who are appointed by the Home Office.
	
		Table 1: Probation officers in post, by grade and type -- Number
		
			 England and Wales 31 December 2000 30 June 2001 
		
		
			 CPO T54 42 
			 DCPO 12 11 
			 ACPO 213 209 
			 Area Manager 49 51 
			 Regional Training 48 39 
			
			  Senior Probation Officers 
			 Family Court Welfare 60  
			 Other field work 816 864 
			 Seconded to prison 110 121 
			 Hostels 71 82 
			 Other 8 14 
			
			 Senior Practitioner   
			 Field work 105 109 
			 Seconded to prison 11 5 
			 Hostels 9 8 
			 Other 4 12 
			
			 Main Grade   
			 Family Court Welfare 543  
			 Other field work 4,258 4,060 
			 Trainee 564 543 
			 Seconded to prison 509 480 
			 Hostels 74 67 
			 Other 53 69 
			 All probation officers(18) 7,571 6,785 
		
	
	(18) Whole-time equivalent. Individual figures may not round to the total because of the rounding of part-time hours.
	
		Table 2: Staff other than probation officers in post, by grade and type -- Number
		
			 England and Wales 31 December 2000 30 June 2001 
		
		
			 Probation Services Officers 1,019 1,083 
			 CS schemes 1,019 1,083 
			 Seconded to prison 132 136 
			 Other duties 869 916 
			 General duties 849 1,076 
			 Clerical and Secretarial 2,529 2,317 
			 Research and Information Officers 106 141 
			 Administrative officers 1,489 1,532 
			 Sessional supervisors 421 444 
			 Others 254 194 
			 Hostels 791 778 
			 All staff other than probation officers(19) 8,458 8,616 
		
	
	(19) Whole-time equivalent. Individual figures may not round to the total because of the rounding of part-time hours.

Either-way Criminal Offences

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the either-way criminal offences; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: There is no readily available list of triable either-way offences. Appendix Four of the annual Command Paper Criminal statistics England and Wales lists just over 370 triable either-way offence codes which are used for statistical purposes. Each code may cover more than one offence and these codes cover approximately 700 offences. Other triable either-way offences are grouped together under one ad hoc code. Copies of the Command Paper are available in the Library.

Asylum Seekers

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to extend the interim regulations for the support of asylum seekers for another two years.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 24 January 2002
	Some asylum seekers fall to be supported by local authorities under the Asylum Support (Interim Provisions) Regulations 1999. These regulations came into force on 6 December 1999 and are due to end on 1 April 2002. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has decided that it would be appropriate to extend these regulations until 5 April 2004. This extension will enable Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) staff to complete the data matching exercise between its records and those held by local authorities. In addition during this time asylum seekers are to be issued with application registration cards. Once these two exercises have been completed we will have detailed information on the number of asylum seekers being supported by local authorities.
	We can then discuss with the local authorities how best to transfer the cases to the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) system of support.

Skilled Migrant Programme

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to attract skilled foreign workers to the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 24 January 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs. Ellman) on 13 December 2001, Official Report, column 1010W. Applications under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme will be accepted by diplomatic posts overseas from 28 January. The work permit system additionally provides a fast, effective route for employers to recruit skilled people to fill vacancies where they are unable to recruit or train a resident worker. The forthcoming White Paper will further set out the Government's strategy for making sure the immigration system maximises the benefits to the United Kingdom of skilled foreign workers.

Police Personnel Data

John Cryer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the quality of data in recent police personnel statistics publications.

John Denham: The Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate makes a careful assessment of the quality of any national statistics that it publishes and is carrying out a series of reviews under the National Statistics framework.
	A Police Numbers Task Force was established last year specifically to address concerns over police personnel data. This group has now completed its work and its report was made available to police forces for consultation on 18 December 2001. A copy of this report is available on the Home Office website.

Ministerial Group on the Family

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times the Ministerial Group on the Family has met since (a) its formation, (b) the publication of Supporting Families and (c) 7 June 2001.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 24 January 2002
	The Ministerial Group on the Family, as with other ministerial groups, met when needed. Following the June 2001 general election the ministerial group was replaced by the Cabinet Committee on Domestic Affairs Sub-Committee on Active Communities and Family Issues, which is chaired by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and which co-ordinates Government policies on the family.

Family Visitor Appeals

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the net annual income is from family visitor appeals in the first year of its operation.

Angela Eagle: The net income from fees for family visitor appeals in the first year of the scheme was 104,000.

Police (Early Retirement)

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Government policy towards police officers taking early retirement while disciplinary charges are pending.

John Denham: The Government believe that it is unacceptable for sickness or medical retirement to be used as a means of avoiding discipline. Regulations allow for disciplinary hearings to go ahead in the absence of the accused, although the power is not used very frequently. It will require strong support from the centrewhich we will provideand firm management action to use the existing power to proceed with hearings in all but the most exceptional cases. We will amend the central guidance and, if necessary, the statutory regulations to achieve this. Where medical retirement is at issue, the police authority should consider whether it would be right to exercise its discretion not to retire the officer where the public interest in completing the proceedings in a misconduct case outweighs the medical condition.

Violence Against Women

Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to include violence against women in his Department's recent policy initiatives on violent crime.

John Denham: The Government have made it clear that they have committed to the reduction of all violent crime, including against women. Tackling violence against women is an integral element of our strategies to reduce violent crime.
	Domestic violence is the largest single form of violent crime against women. We have taken a number of steps to address domestic violence including issuing a new Home Office circular to the police, issuing multi-agency guidance for addressing domestic violence, and issuing guidance for prosecuting cases of domestic violence to Crown prosecutors. We have provided over 10 million funding under the Crime Reduction Programme to the Violence Against Women initiative. This initiative is aimed to discover what is effective and cost effective in reducing domestic violence, rape and sexual assault by known perpetrators.
	Ministers from across Government are working closely together to consider areas for priority action (to effectively address domestic violence and reduce incidents) such as intervention by health professionals and enhancing the interface between the criminal and civil jurisdictions.

Police Pensions

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Police Federation on proposals to change the pension provisions for police officers.

John Denham: holding answer 25 January 2002
	We are looking at ways of modernising police pensions to make them more flexible and affordable for future entrants and to reflect modern lifestyle patterns. Any proposals for change would of course be subject to discussion and negotiations with the Police Federation.

Police Terms and Conditions

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Association of Chief Police Officers on the terms and conditions for the employment of police officers; and when he expects the new pay and terms and conditions document will be agreed.

John Denham: holding answer 25 January 2002
	Both the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Association of Chief Police Officers are represented on the Official Side of the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) for the United Kingdom. On 27 December 2001, following negotiations, the Official Side reached agreement in principle with the Staff Side on a package of changes to police pay and conditions of service. The changes are set out in the Heads of Agreement. Both Sides are now consulting their members on the changes which have to be ratified by the end of February.

Young Offenders

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the level of youth crime in the London borough of Havering.

John Denham: Information provided by the youth offending team in Havering shows that, in the year 2000, youth crime accounted for just under a quarter (24 per cent.) of all crime in the borough. The corresponding figure for 1999 was 31 per cent.
	The number of young offenders arrested by the police in Havering during 2001, excluding those in respect of whom no action was taken, is set out in the table.
	
		
			   Male Female Total 
		
		
			 January to March 155 31 186 
			 April to June 181 31 212 
			 July to September 161 37 198 
			 October to December(20) 140 28 168 
			  
			 Total 637 127 764 
		
	
	(20) Up to 5 December

Children (Supervision Orders)

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children who are the subject of supervision orders issued by each local authority in England and Wales are resident in institutions in Scotland.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 17 January 2002
	The information required is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Police Overtime

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposal to reduce police officers' enhanced overtime rates on the morale of frontline officers.

John Denham: The Police Negotiating Board (PNB), on which both the Secretary of State and the Police Federation are represented, reached agreement in principle on 27 December 2001 on a package of changes to police pay and conditions of service. The changes are set out in the heads of agreement.
	One of the proposed changes is to reduce the premium rates of pay, but not to plain time, for working overtime, on rostered rest day and on public holidays. The reductions would be phased in over two years, the first stage on 1 April 2003 and the second stage on 1 April 2004. The savings from reducing the premium rates of pay would be re-invested into the new pay framework.
	The proposed reductions in premiums have to be seen in the context of all the other changes set out in the heads of agreement. Those changes include shortened pay scales for all federated ranks, a minimum increase of 402 on 1 April 2003 on each point of the pay scales, a new competence-related payment of 1,002 at the top of the scales.
	There will also be a new special priority payments scheme to reward those officers working at the sharp end of public service, doing the most difficult and demanding tasks. Officers in qualifying posts will receive a payment of between 500 and 5,000 a year. The national criteria are that posts carry a significantly higher responsibility than the norm for the rank; or are particularly difficult to fill; or have specially arduous working conditions. All parties in PNB recognise that there are a number of specialist posts where long hours are a necessary and integral part of the officers' role rather than due to management failure.
	In addition, chief constables will be able to award bonuses of between 50 and 500 for occasional work of an outstandingly demanding, unpleasant or important nature, such as hostage negotiation, or fingerprinting and searching badly decomposed bodies.
	The Government believe that, taking all the elements of the package into account, the vast majority of officers will be better off.

Nuclear Security

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reviews of the preparedness for terrorist attack against (a) chemical industry plants and (b) nuclear industry facilities have been conducted by the civil contingencies unit following the terrorist activities in the United States on 11 September 2001.

David Blunkett: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry keeps security and safety precautions at nuclear sites under regular review. The United Kingdom's civil nuclear sites apply stringent security measures regulated by the security regulator, the Office for Civil Nuclear Security. She is also working closely with industry representatives and others to analyse the vulnerabilities of the chemical industries to terrorist attack and to identify and implement measures to maximise their resilience.
	In addition, I chair the civil contingencies committee which, through its sub-committees, has co-ordinated reviews by the appropriate lead Government Departments and devolved Administrations into the contingency and other arrangements to protect the United Kingdom against the effects of a terrorist attack, particularly in the light of the terrorist attacks of 11 September.

Chief Constables

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the length of service as chief constable is of each chief constable in England.

John Denham: The appointment of a chief constable is a matter for decision by the appropriate police authority, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State. In making an appointment, a police authority must adhere to Regulation 13A of the Police Regulations 1995, which provide that appointment as chief constable should be for a minimum period of four years and a maximum period of seven years.
	The current position for each force in England is given in the table. In a small number of cases, the appointment pre-dates the introduction of the fixed term regulations on 1 April 1995, and exceeds the current maximum period.
	
		
			 Force  Chief Constable Appointment date Term 
		
		
			 Avon and Somerset S. C. Pilkington Esq QPM February 1998 3 years 11 months 
			 Bedfordshire Police Paul Hancock Esq April 2001 9 months 
			 Cambridgeshire D. G. Gunn Esq CBE QPM September 1993 8 years 4 months 
			 Cheshire Police N. Burgess Esq QPM October 1997 4 years 3 months 
			 City of London Police Perry Nove QPM April 1998 3 years 9 months 
			 Cleveland Police B. D. Shaw Esq QPM August 1995 6 years 5 months 
			 Cumbria Michael Baxter December 2001 1 month 
			 Derbyshire D. Coleman Esq July 2000 1 year 6 months 
			 Devon and Cornwall Sir John Evans QPM September 1988 13 years 4 months 
			 Dorset Police Mrs. Jane Stichbury QPM December 1998 3 years 1 month 
			 Durham G. E. Hedges QPM August 1997 4 years 5 months 
			 Essex Police D. F. Stevens Esq QPM March 1998 3 years 10 months 
			 Gloucestershire Timothy Brain Esq March 2001 10 months 
			 Gtr Manchester Police D. Wilmot Esq QPM April 1991 10 years 9 months 
			 Hampshire P. R. Kernaghan Esq QPM May 1999 2 years 8 months 
			 Hertfordshire Paul Acres Esq QPM February 2000 1 year 11 months 
			 Humberside Police D. Westwood Esq QPM November 1998 3 years 2 months 
			 Kent Sir David Phillips QPM November 1992 9 years 2 months 
			 Lancashire Mrs. P Clare QPM May 1995 6 years 8 months 
			 Leicestershire D. J. Wyrko Esq QPM April 1997 4 years 9 months 
			 Lincolnshire Police R. J. N. Childs Esq QPM March 1998 3 years 10 months 
			 Merseyside Police N. Bettison Esq QPM November 1998 3 years 2 months 
			 Metropolitan Police Sir John Stevens QPM February 2000 1 year 11 months 
			 Norfolk K. R. Williams Esq QPM May 1993 8 years 8 months 
			 Northamptonshire Police Mr. Chris Fox QPM July 1996 5 years 6 months 
			 Northumbria Police J. C. Strachan Esq QPM October 1997 4 years 3 months 
			 North Yorkshire Police D. R. Kenworthy Esq QPM October 1997 4 years 3 months 
			 Nottinghamshire Police Stephen M. Green Esq, QPM February 2000 1 year 11 months 
			 South Yorkshire Police M. I. I. Hedges Esq QPM February 1998 3 years 11 months 
			 Staffordshire Police J. W. Giffard Esq QPM October 1995 6 years 3 months 
			 Suffolk P. J. Scott-Lee Esq QPM April 1998 3 years 9 months 
			 Surrey Police Denis O'Connor CBE, QPM February 2000 1 year 11 months 
			 Sussex Police Ken Jones January 2002 under 1 month 
			 Thames Valley Police Peter Neyroud January 2002 under 1 month 
			 Warwickshire Police John Burbeck QPM August 2000 1 year 5 months 
			 West Mercia P. Hampson Esq QPM April 1999 2 years 9 months 
			 West Midlands Police Sir Edward Crew QPM May 1996 5 years 8 months 
			 West Yorkshire Police Graham Moore Esq QPM November 1997 4 years 2 months 
			 Wiltshire Miss E Neville QPM October 1996 5 years 3 months

Crime Fighting Fund

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Crime Fighting Fund officers were projected to be allocated to Hampshire in 200102; how many officers were allocated; how many Crime Fighting Fund officers will be allocated for 200203; and if he will make a statement.

John Denham: Hampshire has been allocated a total of 243 Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) recruits over and above previous recruitment plans for the three years to March 2003. This total was initially divided between the three years of the CFF recruitment scheme as follows:
	
		
			 Year CFF allocation 
		
		
			 200001 82 
			 200102 77 
			 200203 84 
		
	
	As the force was unable to recruit all of its CFF allocation in 200001 it was allowed to carry over 63 recruits from 200001 to 200102, resulting in revised allocations as follows:
	
		
			 Year CFF allocation 
		
		
			 200001 19 
			 200102 140 
			 200203 84 
		
	
	The allocation for 200203 is provisional and subject to the force meeting the requirements of the CFF continuation criteria.

Domestic Violence (Buckingham)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of domestic violence were investigated by the police in the Buckingham constituency in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001.

John Denham: The information requested is not held centrally. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Thames Valley police collect the information by Basic Command Unit areas, but none of these areas correspond exactly with the Buckingham constituency.

Security Costs

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what have been the costs of extra activities undertaken by his Department in connection with events following the 11 September terrorist attacks on the United States; and if these costs will be met from his Department's budget.

David Blunkett: Some extra costs are being incurred, on departmental security measures. These costs will be met from the Home Office's budget and it is not possible to quantify them. As regards the cost of the measures announced in my Statement of 15 October 2001, I refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question from the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard) on 23 January 2002, Official Report, column 914W.

Police Numbers (London)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish (a) the most recent figures, (b) the figures for May 1997 based on the old boundaries and (c) estimated figures for May 1997 based on the new boundaries, for the number of police officers within the city of London and Metropolitan police areas, broken down by London borough.

John Denham: holding answer 9 November 2001
	The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has provided police strength in the Metropolitan police at 31 October 2001 and 1 July 1997 broken down by borough. Information for May 1997 is not available.
	
		
			 Borough Strength 31 October 2001(21) Strength 1 July 1997(21) 
		
		
			 Kensington and Chelsea 539.51 648.30 
			 Westminster 1,540.96 1,712.91 
			 Camden 681.72 698.35 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 506.14 559.65 
			 Hackney 675.15 665.64 
			 Tower Hamlets 527.95 573.09 
			 Waltham Forest 449.81 490.62 
			 Redbridge 387.32 555.00 
			 Havering 322.72 325.59 
			 Newham 577.41 599.88 
			 Barking and Dagenham 285.82 299.05 
			 Lambeth 863.58 946.10 
			 Southwark 784.76 849.46 
			 Islington 564.79 568.60 
			 Lewisham 567.50 613.75 
			 Bromley 422.60 473.84 
			 Harrow 315.42 281.60 
			 Brent 604.14 636.33 
			 Greenwich 570.14 597.65 
			 Bexley 322.09 280.65 
			 Barnet 509.92 727.16 
			 Richmond upon Thames 263.17 278.85 
			 Hounslow 416.29 446.60 
			 Kingston upon Thames 256.40 354.33 
			 Merton 289.26 315.85 
			 Wandsworth 545.92 622.94 
			 Ealing 617.87 635.97 
			 Hillingdon 369.70 403.10 
			 Enfield 474.91 538.30 
			 Haringey 542.59 546.60 
			 Croydon 566.77 604.60 
			 Sutton 252.74 406.10 
			  
			 Borough Total 16,624.07 18,254.46 
			 Heathrow(22) 287.26 375.15 
			 Spelthorne(23)  194.40 
			 Recruits, non borough units and HQ staff 8,621.52 7,846.27 
			  
			 Total 25,532.85 26,670.28 
		
	
	(21) Figures are full-time equivalents
	(22) These posts are paid for by Heathrow airport plc.
	(23) Spelthorne was transferred to Surrey police in April 2000.
	The Metropolitan police force area boundary was changed in April 2000. The Metropolitan Police Service are unable to provide estimated figures for officers in post in 1997 on the basis of the new boundaries.
	There were 10,040 civilians in the Metropolitan police on 31 March 2001 and 13,493 on 31 March 1997.
	The city of London police force was unaffected by the Metropolitan police force area boundary changes. The city of London Police had 859 police officers on 31 March 1997 and 705 on 2 November 2001. The force employed 347 civilian support staff in March 1997 and 223 in March 2001.

Advertising Campaigns

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the advertising campaigns commissioned by his Department since May 1997, showing for each (a) its objectives, (b) its beginning and end dates, (c) the media used, (d) the criteria adopted to judge its effectiveness, (e) the extent to which effectiveness criteria were met, (f) any agency involvement and (g) its cost.

David Blunkett: In relation to expenditure in 19992000 and 200001, I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve) of 17 January, 2002, Official Report, column 465W. In relation to expenditure from 199697 to 199899 the figures are as follows:
	
		
			million 
		
		
			 199697 5.23 
			 199798 1.4 
			 199899 1.8 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures include value added tax (VAT).
	2. Figures for 199798 and 199899 reflect spending levels determined in 1996.
	The Home Office uses advertising in various media to inform the public how they are affected by departmental legislation, and also to effect attitudinal and behavioural change in such areas as vehicle crime reduction, fire safety, voter registration and police recruitment. Each campaign is rigorously evaluated to ensure maximum effectiveness and value for money. Evaluation criteria are set according to the individual objectives of each campaign (for example increases in awareness and understanding of fire safety issues were measured, along with changes in public attitudes and subsequent shifts in fire statistics). The results of each evaluation exercise are used to inform future campaign development.
	Historical data on the individual communication objectives, timings and evaluation criteria for each campaign can be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

CCTV

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will offer separate funding for local closed circuit television schemes apart from the Safer Communities Initiative.

John Denham: Under the Crime Reduction Programme Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Initiative a potential 170 million will be spent funding 686 CCTV schemes.
	Although this initiative is now closed, other opportunities for funding of CCTV schemes may exist under the Communities against Drugs or the Small Retailers in Deprived Areas initiatives. Further funding for CCTV schemes may also be available under the Safer Communities Initiative (SCI).

LORD CHANCELLOR

Jane Coker Case

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the total cost was for all Departments arising from the case of Jane Coker v. The Lord Chancellor considered by (a) the Industrial Tribunal, (b) the Employment Appeal Tribunal and (c) the Court of Appeal; and if, in each instance, she will identify the costs of Counsel and other lawyers, outside of the Government's service.

Rosie Winterton: The total legal costs for all Departments arising from the case of Jane Coker and Martha Osamor v. The Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chancellor's Department were as follows:
	(a) Costs up to and including the hearing before the Employment Tribunal84,349.96 (including VAT) of which 50,360.50 were Counsel's fees and 33,989.46 were Treasury Solicitor's costs;
	(b) Costs in relation to the hearing before the Employment Appeal Tribunal54,540.44 (including VAT) of which 40,243.75 were Counsel's fees and 14,296.69 were Treasury Solicitors' costs;
	(c) Costs in relation to the hearing before the Court of Appeal50,054.29 (including VAT) of which 38,639.87 were Counsel's fees and 11,414.42 were Treasury Solicitor's costs.

Jane Coker Case

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason there was no application for costs on her behalf in the case of Jane Coker.

Rosie Winterton: No application was made for costs on behalf of the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to the hearings before the Employment Tribunal and the Employment Appeal Tribunal as the general rule in relation to costs before those Tribunals is that each side bears its own costs.
	No application was made for costs on behalf of the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to the hearing before the Court of Appeal as the Lord Chancellor was by that stage aware that the case brought by Jane Coker and Martha Osamor was supported by the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality. The Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chancellor's Department did not consider it would be appropriate to seek a costs order in circumstances where publicly funded bodies with particular responsibility for promoting equal opportunities in relation to employment matters had taken the view that there was a public interest in having the legal issues raised in the proceedings resolved by the Court of Appeal.

Colchester Magistrates Court

Bob Russell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the new courthouse at Colchester will be opened.

Michael Wills: It is anticipated that the new courthouse will be opened in Colchester during 2005.

Colchester Magistrates Court

Bob Russell: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement about the upgrading of cells at Colchester magistrates court; what the cost involved is; and when he expects the work to be completed.

Michael Wills: In the financial year 200102, 60,192 has been allocated to the Magistrates Courts Committee and local authority to address health and safety issues in Colchester magistrates court by removing all ligature points in the cells. This is not essentially an upgrade of the cell accommodation, but necessary work to ensure that defendants are unable to harm themselves or others. This work is expected to be completed in 200203, at a total cost of 63,715. The new courthouse in Colchester planned for 2005, to be constructed under the private finance initiative, should address any concerns raised over the quality of the custody accommodation.

Shared Residency Orders

Gillian Merron: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many families in the UK in each of the last three years have been granted shared residency orders in cases where parents have divorced or separated and terms governing the custody of children must be decided and approved by the courts; and what proportion of those orders dictate that custody should be split equally between parents.

Rosie Winterton: In 2001 there were 22,970 residence orders granted in private law proceedings in the county and High Courts. The Lord Chancellor's Department statistics do not differentiate between those residence orders made in favour of one or both parents. The underlying philosophy of the Children Act 1989 is that parents share responsibility for the upbringing of their children, even after their own relationship has failed.

Census Website

John Taylor: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement about the initial performance of the 1901 Census website.

Rosie Winterton: The 1901 Census website was successfully piloted and tested in advance of its launch on 2 January 2002. Based on benchmarking, the 1901 site was specified to allow for 1 million users, with provision to cope with peak equivalent demand of 1.2 million users, in any 24-hour period. Prior to the site being closed on 7 January 2002 to enable enhancements to be carried out, it was estimated by the PRO's business partner QinetiQ Ltd., who are responsible for the technical aspects of the service, that the maximum demand it experienced was approximately 1.2 million users per hour. This prevented many users accessing the service. A decision to close the website temporarily to general internet access was taken by the PRO and QinetiQ Ltd. in order to allow enhancements to be made. The general internet service will be restored incrementally, on completion of this work.
	The online service is currently available at the Public Record Office at Kew, the Family Records Centre in Islington, and at a number of local public libraries and archives while the enhancements are being carried out. Meanwhile, the Public Record Office has fulfilled its statutory obligations by providing microform copies of the 1901 Census returns at the Public Record Office at Kew and at local record offices and public libraries across the country.

Waltham Forest Court

Harry Cohen: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when it is proposed to notify the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead of the closure of Waltham Forest court; for what reason the media were notified before local hon. Members; what arrangements are proposed for Leyton and Leytonstone residents who have to attend a local magistrates court as defendants, victims or witnesses; and if he will make a statement.

Michael Wills: The Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority (GLMCA) issued their strategic plan on 13 December 2001. I understand that hon. Members, the press and trade unions were notified at this time by the GLMCA. No final decisions will be made on Waltham Forest magistrates court until the GLMCA has concluded statutory consultation and taken into account all representations made during this period. The GLMCA plan to commence the first stage of their consultation next month. I understand my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Harry Cohen) will, in due course, have opportunity to comment directly to the GLMCA on the future of Waltham Forest magistrates court. The Government's policy is that decisions concerning listing practices, the number, location and future of magistrates courts are for magistrates courts committees to determine, in consultation with their local paying authority.

Electoral Documentation

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps her Department has taken to provide an audit trail when marked registers are sent from the returning officers to her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Representation of the People Act 1983 requires the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery to ensure that a record is kept of the electoral documentation received from returning officers in respect of both general and by-elections in England and Wales.
	Details are recorded on receipt at our central warehouse.

Saville Inquiry

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what costs have been incurred by the Lord Chancellor's Department in connection with the Saville inquiry; and what her estimate is of the final cost.

Rosie Winterton: No costs have been incurred by the Lord Chancellor's Department to date in connection with the Bloody Sunday inquiry and no future costs are expected to be incurred.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Civil Service

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Civil Service staff are on loan from each of the devolved Administrations to UK Government Departments, broken down by UK Government Departments; and what percentage of civil service staff the number on loan represents per the total number of civil servants for each devolved Administration.

Christopher Leslie: The information for the Scottish Executive is given in the table. The National Assembly for Wales has five staff currently on loan, all to the Cabinet Office; this is 0.1 per cent. of the total of 3,500 staff. Comparable figures for the Northern Ireland civil service are not available except at disproportionate cost.
	
		Scottish Executive
		
			 Department Staff on loan at 21 January 2002 Percentage 
		
		
			 Cabinet Office 5 0.0 
			 Department of Health (Food Standards Agency) 59 0.5 
			 Department of Trade and Industry 1 0.0 
			 Foreign and Commonwealth Office 6 0.1 
			 Forestry Commission 2 0.0 
			 HM Treasury 5 0.0 
			 Home Office 367 3.2 
			 Office of Fair Trading 1 0.0 
			 Oftel 1 0.0 
			 Prime Minister's Office 1 0.0 
			 Scotland Office 109 1.0 
			 Total staff on loan 557 4.9 
			 Total staff in post 11,430 100.0

Civil Service

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the progress which has been made in delivering the strategy to increase the numbers of (a) women and (b) ethnic minorities in Whitehall's senior civil service grades.

Christopher Leslie: The latest figures for April 2001 show that:
	24.2 per cent. of the senior civil service are women, up from 17.8 per cent. in 1998. The target for 200405 is 35 per cent.
	20.2 per cent. of those in the top 600 posts are women, up from 12.7 per cent. in 1998. The target for 200405 is 25 per cent.
	2.4 per cent. of staff at senior civil service level are from a minority ethnic background, up rom 1.6 per cent. in 1998. The target for 200405 is 3.2 per cent.
	Progress is being made in other areas. For example the number of successful candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds in the fast stream scheme has doubled from 3.4 per cent. in 1998 to 6.8 per cent. in 2000.

Saville Inquiry

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what costs have been incurred by his Department to date in connection with the Saville inquiry; and what his estimate is of the final cost to his Department.

John Prescott: The Cabinet Office does not employ staff full-time on Bloody Sunday inquiry work. Expenditure to date on staff time is estimated at 45,000. It is not possible to estimate the final cost to the Cabinet Office because of the number of uncertainties.

Public Appointments

Llew Smith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what account is taken of political affiliation in making appointments to non-departmental public bodies.

Christopher Leslie: While information on the political affiliation of candidates is not collected, the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice requires information on political activity to be collected. In a small minority of cases there may be a need to create a political balance. This can usually be achieved by asking political parties to nominate candidates.

Arms Sales (BAE Systems)

Tony Baldry: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received from BAE Systems concerning the sale of arms to (a) South Africa and (b) India.

John Prescott: I have not received any representations from BAE Systems concerning the sale of arms to either South Africa or India.

Arms Sales (BAE Systems)

Tony Baldry: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to visit India; and if he will raise the issue of BAE Systems bid to supply Hawk jets with his Indian counterpart.

John Prescott: I have no firm plans to visit India.

Ministerial Properties

Tim Collins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the properties used by Ministers for (a) residential and (b) business purposes that are owned by Government organisations.

John Prescott: pursuant to his reply, 21 January 2002, c. 599W
	I regret that my answer was incorrect since there are some costs to the public purse in the Government's use of Chequers, Dorneywood and Chevening.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Industrial Action

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the latest figures for working days lost through industrial action within her Department and its agencies since June 2001.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 January 2002
	Between the launch of the Department and 14 January, a total of 16,201 working days has been lost due to strike action by departmental staff who are members of the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Environmental Impact Assessments

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the progress FTSE 350 companies had made by the end of 2001 towards reporting on their environmental impacts; and what assessment she has made of the progress that would have been made if there was a mandatory requirement for such reports.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 22 January 2002
	About 79 of the FTSE 350 report while a further 24 had plans to do so. A further 10 per cent. of other companies in the FTSE 350 mentioned environmental issues, but did not report substantively on environmental performance. These figures are now being reviewed to improve the estimates and to distinguish between companies that produce quantified performance data and those that do not, since some reports contain little or no quantified information.
	A mandatory reporting requirement would have been expected to lead to environmental reporting by all the companies concerned.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many instances there were in each English region in each month since June 2000 of (a) HEES and (b) HEES Plus grant being topped-up by the recipient to pay for the full costs of the improvements; what was the average amount of the top-up; and what was the average administration cost to Eaga Partnerships and Eastern Warm Front to process each top-up.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 29 November 2001
	The Eaga Partnership Ltd. and TXU Warm Front Ltd. manage the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, marketed as the Warm Front Team, under contract. The scheme provides packages of energy efficiency measures tailored to the circumstances of the householder and the property. Where the total cost of these cannot be met from the available grant, the scheme managers seek support from other programmes. If this is not possible, then the scheme manager advises the householder of the amount of money required to complete the work and asks them to contribute towards the excess cost if the full programme of recommended energy efficiency is to go ahead. Should they do so, the sum is paid directly to the installer concerned. If the client is unable to make the required contribution then those measures requiring additional funding are not installed.
	The majority of requests for a client contribution occur at the 1,000 grant level, when it is not possible to repair a gas central heating boiler and a replacement is required. A decision on grant levels will be made shortly and will take into account the level of client contributions and advice from the scheme managers on the expected rates of labour and materials for the forthcoming year.
	The table sets out the available information on the number of letters sent to HEES clients and the average contribution requested, month by month, since June 2000. Unfortunately, data are not available in the format requested by the hon. Member.
	
		
			  Number of letters Average value of top-ups () 
		
		
			 2000   
			 June 10 690 
			 July 10 320 
			 August 20 210 
			 September 90 520 
			 October 200 300 
			 November 290 360 
			 December 180 420 
			 2001   
			 January 350 330 
			 February 370 540 
			 March 400 390 
			 April 350 430 
			 May 540 450 
			 June 980 540 
			 July 1,250 830 
			 August 1,260 640 
			 September 1,190 510 
			 October 1,490 370 
			 November 1,100 400 
		
	
	The higher number of top-up requests over the last six months reflects the increasing number of householders receiving assistance through HEES. Currently, 98,000 householders are having work carried out on their properties. Since the launch of the scheme on 1 June 2000, 234,000 households have received assistance. Some 10,000 have been invited to make a contribution.
	The cost incurred in seeking contributions is incorporated within the scheme managers' fees for administering the scheme. These fees are included in their contracts with my Department. It is not possible to identify their costs separately.

England Rural Development Programme

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list those companies which have received processing and marketing grants under the England Rural Development Programme.

Alun Michael: I am writing to the hon. Member today with a list of those companies that have received processing and marketing grants under the England Rural Development Programme. I am placing a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

EU Environment Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Environment Council held in Brussels on 29 October; what the Government's stance was on each issue discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment and I represented the UK at the Environment Council held in Luxembourg on 29 October. This was the first Environment Council of the Belgian presidency. Council reached political agreement on four common positions: the UK voted in favour of each. Four sets of Council conclusions were agreed. There were two orientation debates: one, in public, on a proposed regulation concerning traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and products derived from them, and a second on the Commission's review of the Pesticides Authorisation Directive (91/414/EEC).
	Political agreement was reached without discussion on a recommendation concerning implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Europe. This aims to encourage member states to carry out a stocktake of institutions and laws affecting their coastal zones, and to adopt national strategies to promote integrated management.
	In reaching political agreement on a proposed amendment to Directive 97/68/EC on non-road mobile machinery emissions, the UK achieved its objective of ensuring deletion of an article permitting the use of economic incentives, noting that the directive did not have an appropriate legal base for such an article. The amended directive will introduce exhaust emission standards for small, off-road petrol engines and large diesel generators, and aims to align European provisions with existing US regulations.
	Political agreement was also reached on an amendment to Directive 94/25/EC laying down limit values for exhaust and noise emissions from new recreational craft placed on the Community market. The Council agreed limit values at the levels proposed by the European Commission in COM(2000) 639 dated 12 October 2000. Particularly in relation to noise emissions, agreement was reached on less costly methods of demonstrating compliance. Overall the agreement represents a reasonable balance between achieving challenging environmental objectives while minimising the cost to small and medium-sized business and individuals.
	Council reached political agreement on a proposed decision continuing for the period 200206 an annual funding programme for environmental NGOs active at a European level. The Commission's proposed total budget of EUR 32 million was agreed. The UK's main objective of ensuring that the selection and monitoring process was transparent and fair was met in the common position text.
	Ministers agreed a common approach on a proposed directive to bring Community rules into line with the second pillar of the Aarhus Convention dealing with public consultation in environmental decision-making. The UK welcomed the proposal and asked that the Commission also take steps to present another proposal seeking to apply the provisions of the Aarhus Convention to the Community institutions, in order to enable the Community to ratify the Convention.
	During a public orientation debate on a proposed regulation on traceability and labelling of GMOs, Council discussed the scope of the proposed system. While welcoming the intention of the proposal to improve safety and consumer choice in GM food and crops, the UK's current judgment was that the requirement to label and trace the source of products which contain no detectable GM material would be unworkable. The UK expressed concern about whether the information given to consumers would be reliable and whether developing countries would be able to provide the information expected from importers. The UK took the view that the Commission's proposals for allowing certain imports of crops containing GMOs that are not approved in the EU were unsatisfactory as they stood and that further urgent work was needed, particularly on agreeing an international system for identifying individual GMOs. Member states were still divided on when the EU decision-making process for GM products could be restarted. While recognising the importance of the proposal to rebuilding confidence in the decision-making process on GMOs in the EU, the UK called for case-by-case consideration of applications and said that it was not tenable to encourage an illicit moratorium.
	Council conclusions adopted in preparation for the seventh Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place in Marrakesh from 29 October to 9 November, called on all parties to respect the Bonn agreement, and underlined the need for progress in the relevant international forums in tackling emissions from aviation and shipping. The conclusions stressed the resolve of the Community and its member states to ratify the Kyoto Protocol in a timely manner, with a view to its entry into force by the World Summit on Sustainable Development next September. Environment Commissioner Wallstrom also presented a proposal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, a draft directive on a CO2 emissions trading scheme and a Communication on the European Climate Change Programme.
	Council conclusions were adopted on a Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) Programme stressing the priority attached to the problems of ozone, particulates and acidification. Council also adopted conclusions on a Communication on Conservation of Natural Resources, and conclusions on the Commission's general Communication on Biodiversity, highlighting the need to implement biodiversity action plans and halt biodiversity decline across the EU.
	Council held a discussion to inform the adoption of six sustainable development indicators to be used in the Commission's synthesis report for the Barcelona Spring European Council. The Commission would publish its report on indicators on 31 October. An exchange of views was also held on the Commission's review of Directive 91/414/EEC on agricultural pesticides. The UK stressed the need to speed up the pace of the review of older compounds. The debate also considered the substitution principle and restrictions on those allowed to use certain categories of pesticides.
	The Belgian presidency and Commission reported on a number of proposals, including the EU Chemicals Strategy, environmental liability and a recently adopted communication on dioxins, furans and PCBs. France briefly outlined measures taken by the French Government since a major explosion at an ammonium nitrate manufacturing plant in Toulouse in September. The inquiry into this accident will inform the planned revision of the Seveso II Directive, but the Commission will not delay adoption of its proposal.
	Over lunch Ministers discussed preparations for the WTO Ministerial in Doha on 913 November and preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+10) to be held in Johannesburg in September 2002.

Litter Fines

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes she plans to make to allow local authorities more easily to issue on-the-spot fines for litter.

Michael Meacher: As part of the local public service agreements currently being agreed, certain local authorities are being allowed to retain the moneys received from the fixed penalty notices for litter and dog fouling offences. On return, the moneys must be reinvested back into the community on local environmental quality improvements. Should this be a success the Government plan to extend this scheme to all local authorities.
	Also, from 1 April 2002 the fixed penalty notices for litter and dog fouling offences will be doubled from 25 to 50.

Waste Management

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what rules govern whether waste may be (a) composted and (b) directly applied on farms without (i) planning permission and (ii) Environment Agency approval.

Michael Meacher: PPG 10 Planning and Waste Management advises that the large-scale commercial composting of green waste will generally require planning permission. The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 requires a planning application to be submitted for the importation of waste onto farms unless it is for use in certain specified engineering or building works. It is for local authorities to determine in the first instance whether planning permission is required in each case.
	Both composting and landspreading of waste for agricultural benefit are classified as waste recovery operations under the waste framework directive. This means that anyone carrying out these operations must do so under the terms of either a waste management licence issued by the Environment Agency under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or a licensing exemption registered with the agency. Licensing exemptions for composting and landspreading of waste are provided in the Waste Management Regulations 1994 regulation 17 and schedule 3 paragraphs 7 and 12.

Food Labelling (GMOs)

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will support the European proposal not to label foods that contain up to one per cent. of an unapproved GM variety in the forthcoming European negotiations on traceability and labelling.

Michael Meacher: While recognising that zero presence of non-EU approved GMOs may be impractical, the Government have reservations about the approach proposed by the European Commission for addressing the issue. Other options need to be explored. The best means of overcoming the problem of non-approved GMOs is to clear the backlog of decisions required on outstanding applications for approval within the EU, subject to labelling and traceability conditions being required in each case.

Packaging Waste

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what monitoring is taking place for the application of revenues from packaging waste exports.

Michael Meacher: The revenues from packaging waste exports come from two sources. The money received for the packaging waste from overseas reprocessors and the money received for the PERNs (Packaging Waste Export Notes) which are provided to compliance schemes and individual compliers to show that recycling of packaging waste has been undertaken on their behalf.
	The Environment Agency collects information on the use of the PERN revenue. Accredited exporters and reprocessors are required to provide information on the amounts of PERN income spent on enhancing capacity, collection and end use markets.

Packaging Waste

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what controls are being applied to monitor the quality of packaging waste exports.

Michael Meacher: Information about overseas exports of packaging waste and quantities of such waste shipped is held at the Environment Agency's National Waste Registration Unit (NWRU).
	The NWRU receives applications from potential exporters of UK-sourced packaging waste and accredits those which have suitable information systems showing the places of packaging waste generation through to reprocessing facilities overseas. Information from accredited exporters about sources of packaging waste and destinations for export has to be provided to the NWRU.

Radioactive Waste

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if it is her policy to ensure that radioactive waste arising from the reprocessing of spent fuel for overseas customers under contracts signed since 1976 will be returned to countries of origin without any element of substitution.

Michael Meacher: This is one of the issues on which we have invited public comments in our 12 September consultation paper Managing radioactive waste safely. A copy is in the Library. Pages 2526 of the paper say that British Nuclear Fuels plc wishes to substitute a small volume of high level waste in place of larger volumes of intermediate or low level waste returned to overseas customers, but that is dependent on how high or intermediate level waste should be managed in the UK in the long termthe main issue addressed in the consultation paper. No decision has been taken. The paper invites views on the link between waste substitution and the availability of a long-term management strategy. The consultation period closes on 12 March.

Nitrate Pollution

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of research results which have shown that nitrate does not cause eutrophication in rivers and estuaries; and if she will make a statement on the source of the research upon which her Department's policy is based.

Michael Meacher: The Department's current proposals to reduce nitrate pollution from agriculture arise from the requirement to comply with the European Court of Justice judgment that implementation of the Nitrates Directive is currently incomplete in the UK.
	The Department is aware of many sources of research relevant to eutrophication in rivers and estuaries. Two fundamental reports which have shaped both UK and world wide opinion are those published by the OECD: Scientific Fundamentals of the Eutrophication of Lakes and Flowing Waters published in 1968 and Eutrophication of waters: Monitoring, assessment and Control published in 1982. Other recent reports are the Environment Agency's publications: An environmental strategy for the millennium and beyond published in 1997 and Aquatic eutrophication in England and Wales: a proposed management strategy published in 1998.
	The Department's assessment of this body of scientific information is that it supports the view that in the UK's freshwater systems, phosphorus is generally the key nutrient limiting the eutrophication process, although nitrates may also contribute to eutrophication. In marine waters, nitrate is generally the key limiting nutrient.

Farming and Food Report

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Government expects the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food to publish its report.

Margaret Beckett: The Policy Commission will publish its report to Government on 29 January. Copies of the report will be available from the Libraries of the House and from the Vote Office [PPO for Lords] at 10am that day. It will also be available in electronic form from the Policy Commission website, www.cabinet-office/ gov.uk/farming.

Environment Agency

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will consult on revised statutory guidance to the Environment Agency.

Michael Meacher: On Friday 25 January 2002 I published for consultation draft revised statutory guidance to the Environment Agency under section 4 of the Environment Act 1995. The guidance concerns the agency's activities in England. It states the statutory objectives which the agency should pursue over the next few years, identifies its roles in contributing to the achievement of sustainable development, and sets out the principles it should follow in deciding its priorities. The document has been developed following the first financial management and policy review of the agency, which my Department carried out last year. Copies of the consultation draft have been placed in the House Library. I would welcome responses from interested organisations and individuals, by 18 April 2002. Following public consultation, I will lay proposed statutory guidance before Parliament.

Home Energy Conservation Bill

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will propose amendments to the Home Energy Conservation Bill to give powers to the National Assembly for Wales for the provisions of the Bill to apply to Wales; and if she will make a statement.

Michael Meacher: The Government have tabled amendments to this Bill giving powers to the National Assembly for Wales in respect of Wales. These are consistent with the wishes of the National Assembly for Wales. Similar amendments were also tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Dr. Turner) and others.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Individual Learning Accounts

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many investigations there have been to date into fraud by individual learning account holders.

John Healey: There have been no investigations into individual learning account holders. The Department's Special Investigation Unit has had 86 learning providers referred to it: four learning providers did not require investigation and 82 learning providers are in the process of being investigated. Of these the SIU are discussing 42 with the police, a further 12 are being investigated by the police and another has been charged.

Individual Learning Accounts

David Wilshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when access to the ILA website for providers of ILA courses will be restored.

John Healey: The Department is currently looking closely into the operation of the ILA Centre system. The system will not be reopened to providers until we are satisfied on the robustness of the control and security arrangements. We are working with Capita to assess the control and security arrangements that were in place in the ILA system and we have engaged Cap Gemini Ernst and Young Consultants to support that process.

Theft and Fraud

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate her Department has made of the cost to its budget since 1 May 1997 of fraud; and if she will make a statement.

Estelle Morris: Cases of fraud and irregularity involving staff and direct contractors are reported annually to the Treasury for inclusion in the Treasury Fraud Report which is laid before Parliament. From 1 April 1997 to date the number of cases reported were as follows:
	
		 
		
			   Number Estimated Cost 
		
		
			 Internal 17 1,694 
			 Direct contractors 44 16,405,635 
		
	
	The above figures do not include NDPBs or sub-contractors, eg training providers operating under contracts with Training and Enterprise Councils.
	The number of training providers investigated by the Department from 1 April 1997 to date was 112 and the estimated cost of the fraud/irregularity was 15 million.
	The above figures represent 0.14 per cent. of the relevant expenditure lines, and 0.05 per cent. of total departmental spend over the last four years.

Theft and Fraud

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her estimate is of the cost of theft and fraud to (a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies in each of the last four years.

Estelle Morris: An estimate of cost to the Department of cases involving potential fraud and irregularity for the last four financial years is as follows:
	
		
			   000 
		
		
			 199798 3,816 
			 199899 5,716 
			 19992000 4,548 
			 200001 17,327 
			  
			 Total 31,407 
		
	
	The figure for 200001 includes one specific direct contractor fraud valued at 7.9 million.
	The figures represent 0.14 per cent. of the relevant expenditure lines, and 0.05 per cent. of total departmental spend over the last four years.
	Details of fraud cases reported by the Employment Service are being included in DWP's response to this PQ. Information on NDPBs is not collected centrally.

Standard Spending Assessment (Cambridgeshire)

Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list for Cambridgeshire (a) the difference between the education department budget and that county's education service block SSA in each year from 199293 to 200203 and (b) that sum divided by the total number of full-time equivalent pupils financed by that education department.

Stephen Timms: The following table provides the latest available information:
	
		
			   Difference between education budget and SSA ( million)  Difference per pupil () 
		
		
			 199394 7.1 70 
			 199495 16.3 160 
			 199596 17.5 170 
			 199697 7.7 74 
			 199798 14.4 138 
			 199899 10.8 142 
			 19992000 3.9 51 
			 200001 4.1 53 
			 200102 11.1 144 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Information is taken from data published in the 2001 and previous years Departmental Annual Reports. Budget figures up to 19992000 were taken from local authorities' latest Revenue Account returns submitted to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and for 200001 and 200102, from LEAs s52 Budget statements.
	2. The authority's budgeted spend was more than the SSA.
	3. Cambridgeshire was re-organised in 199899. All pupil numbers but those for 200102 are financial year averages, based on January Annual Census returns. The figures for 200102 reflect the January 2001 returns. Figures for 199091 to 199899 include grant maintained schools. Figures for 19992000 to 200102 include ex-GM schools. The total figures include pre-primary, primary, secondary and special schools.

White Hart Lane School, Tottenham

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what grants she has made to the White Hart Lane school in Tottenham to teach pupils in languages other than English; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: None. We understand that the school is seeking sponsorship for this proposed pilot project from a range of sources, including the local Turkish business community.

Modern Apprenticeships

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the development of Modern Apprenticeships.

Ivan Lewis: Modern Apprenticeships are an important component of the Government's strategy to boost participation and attainment in learning by young people and to meet the skills needs of employers. They provide high quality vocational pathways for young people to progress from GCSEs or A levels to their chosen profession.
	On 29 November 2001, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Education and Skills announced the new generation of Modern Apprenticeships and endorsed the main recommendations in the report of Sir John Cassels' Advisory Committee on the development, promotion and delivery of Modern Apprenticeships. These included:
	an expansion in employer places so that more than a quarter of young people can enter Modern Apprenticeships before they are 22-years-old, by 200405;
	an entitlement to a Modern Apprenticeship place for all 16 and 17-year-olds with five or more GCSE passes, from September 2004;
	a national framework for apprenticeship which defines basic standards and strengthens the relationship between the employer and apprentice. Technical certificates will reflect the broader knowledge and understanding acquired through off-the-job learning; and
	a 16 million marketing campaign, over three years, to promote Modern Apprenticeships and boost take-up among employers and young people.
	The Learning and Skills Council will spearhead the development and delivery of the new generation of Modern Apprenticeships working with a range of other partners, especially the Connexions Service and the new Sector Skills Councils.
	Copies of the report of the Modern Apprenticeship Advisory Committee (September 2001) and the Government's Consultation Response (March 2001) have been placed in the Library in the House of Commons.

LEA Grants

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will provide additional 100 per cent. funded grants to local education authorities within the F40 Groups.

Stephen Timms: We have no plans to do so.

Special Education Needs

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make additional funds available to compensate for the costs of supplying services to special needs children in sparsely populated rural areas.

Stephen Timms: The overall settlement for 200203 is a good one: over 1.3 billion extra in Education Standard Spending Assessments; a further increase in Standards Fund grant of almost 160 million; and an increase in the direct grant for schools of 2.75 per cent. We believe that this settlement provides sufficient resources to cover the costs of supplying services to special needs children in sparsely populated rural areas.
	However, we are currently working up a new funding system for introduction in 200304. As part of that work we are taking account of the costs associated with sparsely populated areas.

Specialist Schools

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools have been granted specialist status on the basis of their first application for such status (a) in total and (b) in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 23 January 2002
	Of the 685 specialist schools currently operational 315 (46 per cent.) have been granted specialist status on the basis of their first application. The number of schools granted specialist status on the basis of their first application in each year since 1997 is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Year Number of specialist school designations Number of designations based on first application Percentage of designations based on first application 
		
		
			 199697 74 35 47 
			 199798 83 46 55 
			 199899 80 46 58 
			 19992000 140 103 74 
			 200001 152 64 42

Specialist Schools

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) joint and (b) associated applications for specialist school status have been received since May 1997; and how many of these have been successful.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 23 January 2002
	There have been 48 joint applications for specialist school status since May 1997, of which 19 have been successful. A further 12 joint applications have been received under the current competition which are currently being assessed. Two applications we would identify as 'associated applications' are being considered in the October 2001 competition, the results of which will be announced in February.

Specialist Schools

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many bids for specialist school status have been received from each local education authority area since May 1997; what proportion of such bids has been accepted in each case; if she will break down these figures for each year from 199798 to 200102; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 23 January 2002
	The total number of bids for specialist school status received from each local education authority each year from 199798 to 200001 and the number of those applications which were successful is provided in the table. Information for 200102 is not yet available as the result of the October 2001 competition has not yet been announced.
	
		Specialist school applications and designations, 5 years to 2001 by LEA
		
			  Applications Designations  
			 LEA 199697 199798 199899 19992000 200001 199697 199798 199899 19992000 200001 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 12 11 
			 Barnet 2  1 1 1   1   
			 Barnsley   1 1   
			 Bath and NE Somerset 3  3 1 2 2  2 1  
			 Bedfordshire 1 2 1 2 5   1   
			 Birmingham 7 3 4 16 13 2  4 13 6 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 1  2  2 1  2   
			 Blackpool 1  1 2  1  1   
			 Bolton 3 2 2 4 1   1 2 1 
			 Bournemouth 1 1  2 12 1 
			 Bracknell Forest 1  
			 Bradford 6 2 1 2 4 1  1 2 4 
			 Brent1 1 1 
			 Brighton and Hove  2  3 3  1  1  
			 Bristol, City of 4 4 2 1 3 1   1 1 
			 Bromley, LB of  1  2 2 1 
			 Buckinghamshire 8 2  1 8 2 1  1 4 
			 Calderdale 2  2 2 2 1 
			 Cambridgeshire 5 2 4  3 1  4  3 
			 Camden, LB of 3  1 1  2  1 1  
			 Cheshire 11 6 1 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 
			 Cornwall 7 6 1 3 4 3 3  1 3 
			 Coventry 4 2  1 2 2 1  1  
			 Croydon, LB of 1 2  2 3  1
			 Cumbria 6 5  3 3 1 2  1 3 
			 Darlington41 1 1 
			 Derby, City of1 21 1 
			 Derbyshire 6 3  7 9 1 1  1 5 
			 Devon 8 2  1 3 2 1  1  
			 Doncaster 6  
			 Dorset   2 4 2   2 2 2 
			 Dudley   1  1  
			 Durham 1 5 4 5 10 1 4 4 2 1 
			 Ealing, LB of 2 2 1 4 2   1 1 2 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 2 1  5 1 1 1  2 1 
			 East Sussex 7 2  3 5 1 1  2 3 
			 Enfield, LB of1   
			 Essex 16 4 4 11 9  1 2 4 4 
			 Gateshead  1 3 1 1  1 2  1 
			 Gloucestershire 9 5 4 4 7 2 1 3 2 2 
			 Greenwich, LB of 3 2 1 1 1 1 2  1  
			 Hackney, LB of 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 2  1 
			 Halton1 21 1 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham1 11  
			 Hampshire 4 2  7 54 1 
			 Haringey, LB of 1   1 1 11 
			 Harrow, LB of 1  
			 Hartlepool  1  1   1  1  
			 Havering 26 11 
			 Herefordshire 4  1 1 1 1  1   
			 Hertfordshire 7 3 1 4 9  2 1 2 3 
			 Hillingdon 4 1 2  1 1 1 1   
			 Hounslow 1 1   1 1 1
			 Isle of Wight 1 1  1 11 1 
			 Islington, LB of   1 3 12  
			 Kent 12 6 6 7 8 2  2 1 3 
			 Kingston-upon-Hull   1  2   1  1 
			 Kingston upon Thames 2  1
			 Kirklees 1 3 2  1 1 1 1   
			 Knowsley 2 2  1 1  1  1 1 
			 Lambeth, LB of  1  2 1  1  1  
			 Lancashire 12 3 2 6 6 1 1 1 2 2 
			 Leeds  3 1 4 6  1 1 3 3 
			 Leicester, City of  2 2 3 2   2 1 2 
			 Leicestershire 7 2 2  5 3 2 2  1 
			 Lewisham 1 2 
			 Lincolnshire   2 9 13   1 4 7 
			 Liverpool 5 4  3 7 2 1  2 3 
			 Luton 1 1 1 1   
			 Manchester 4 1  3  1 1  3  
			 Medway2 11 1 
			 Middlesbrough   1 1 3 2 
			 Milton Keynes 1 4   1 1 3
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 1 4  3 1  1  3  
			 Newham 2 1  1 2  1   2 
			 Norfolk 6 3 1 6 11  1 1 5 2 
			 North East Lincolnshire3 3  
			 North Lincolnshire 1 1  1 1  1  1 1 
			 North Somerset 1 3 3 2 3  1 1 2 1 
			 North Tyneside 2 3  1 2  1   1 
			 North Yorkshire  3 1 3 3  3  2 2 
			 Northamptonshire 6 2 3 3 1 4 1 2 2  
			 Northumberland 4 4 1 2 1  1 1 2 1 
			 Nottinghamshire 5 4 1 2 9  2   1 
			 Oldham2 22  
			 Oxfordshire 5 3 1 1 4 2 1 1 1 2 
			 Peterborough1 2  
			 Plymouth   2 32 3  
			 Poole3 2 2 
			 Portsmouth 1 2   1 1 
			 Reading 1  
			 Redbridge, LB of3 21 2 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 11  
			 Richmond, LB of2 1  
			 Rochdale 3 2   1 1 1   1 
			 Rotherham  1  1 4  1   2 
			 Salford   1 2 1   1 1  
			 Sefton  1  1 1  1  1  
			 Sandwell  2 2
			 Sheffield 3 4  1 4  1   4 
			 Shropshire 1   1 7 3 
			 Slough   1  3 2 
			 Solihull1   
			 Somerset 2 4 3 5 3 1 2 1 2 1 
			 South Gloucestershire 2 1 11 1   
			 South Tyneside1   
			 Southampton 1  
			 Southend on Sea  1 1 1 3   1  2 
			 Southwark 1 1 1 2 2 2 
			 St. Helens   1 3 22 1 
			 Staffordshire 4 1  2 2 1 1   2 
			 Stockport 9 3  1  1 
			 Stockton on Tees 1 2 5 5   
			 Stoke on Trent1 41 2 
			 Suffolk 3 4 2 5 6 1 2 1 2 4 
			 Sunderland 3 2 2 1 1 1  2  1 
			 Surrey 5 2  8 3 1 2  1 2 
			 Sutton, LB of 1 1  1 2 1 1
			 Swindon  1 2 2   
			 Tameside1 1  
			 Telford and Wrekin 1 3  1   
			 Thurrock 1 1 
			 Torbay 2  
			 Tower Hamlets, LB of 2 1  1 31 1 
			 Trafford 2 1  1 2  1   2 
			 Wakefield 4   2 2 1   1 2 
			 Walsall 3 1 1  1   1  1 
			 Waltham Forest, LB of 1   2 1 1   1 1 
			 Wandsworth, LB of 6 2  1 1 2   2  
			 Warrington  1  2   1  1  
			 Warwickshire  2 1 4 2  1 1 2  
			 West Berkshire 14 10  1 1 1 1  1 1 
			 West Sussex 7 7  1 3 3 3  1  
			 Westminster 2 2  1 2  1   1 
			 Weston Super Mare 1  
			 Widnes 1  
			 Wigan 2 2 2 3 4 1 1 1 1  
			 Wiltshire 4 3  5 1 1 2  4 1 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead   1
			 Wirral 1 2  2 3  1  1 2 
			 Wolverhampton 1   2  1   3  
			 Wokingham  1 1  1   1  1 
			 Worcestershire  1  33 1  
			 York, city of 1 1   1 1 1
			  
			 Total 332 219 118 285 354 73 83 81 130 152

Central Pupil Database

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  which organisations and individuals will have access to the personal details of pupils stored on the central pupil database;
	(2)  who will have responsibility for approving requests for access to information held on the central pupil database;
	(3)  if it is her policy to destroy files on the central pupil database which relate to pupils who leave the state education system.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 22 January 2002
	The central pupil database will contain statistical profiles of pupils in England, built up over time from the Pupil Level Annual Schools Census (PLASC) returns which maintained schools will provide each January from January 2002, plus details of Key Stage assessment and examination results obtained separately from schools, marking agencies or examination boards. In order for these profiles to be accurate pupil names are needed to help ensure that all data relating to the same pupil are collated correctly.
	Access to the personal details of pupils
	The Department has no interest in the identity of individual pupils as such, and will be using the database solely for statistical purposes, with only technical staff directly engaged in the data collation process having access to pupil names.
	Any disclosures of personal data (ie data including names or other details that would enable the recipient to determine the identity of individual pupils) will have to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and any other legislation relevant to the particular case. Subject to this proviso, organisations or individuals who may have access to personal data are as follows:
	1. the pupil (or their parents or guardians) will be able to request a copy of their own record in order to confirm its accuracy;
	2. in the case of a child in local authority care, the local authority social services department will, as the child's corporate parent, be able to obtain a copy of that child's record;
	3. schools and LEAs will be able to obtain information about their own pupils to which they have a statutory entitlement but may be missing (for example as a result of pupil mobility);
	4. requests from research organisations will be considered by the Secretary of State if, for a specific research project, pupil names are needed in order to link information from the central database with other information obtained by the research organisation via a separate survey;
	5. to minimise burdens on schools, for pupils approaching or above age 13, consideration is being given to the Connexions Service receiving from the central database (rather than from schools):
	(a) pupil names and any available contact details (information to which the Connexions Service has a statutory entitlement under section 117(1) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000);
	(b) other information held on the database if, and only if, the pupil or their parent (depending on the pupil's age) has not exercised their right under section 117(2) of the Learning and Skills Act to instruct that this information be withheld from the Connexions Service;
	(6) where there are legal proceedings to trace a child (for example in an abduction case) the court can require the Department to provide it with any information it has about the whereabouts of that child.
	Approval of requests for access to personal data
	No disclosures of personal data beyond those listed above are anticipated at this time. Should future developments indicate that further disclosures may be appropriate, these will be considered by the Secretary of State on their merits, subject to the overriding requirement to comply with the Data Protection Act and any other relevant legislation.
	With respect to (4) above, requests from research organisations, the precise arrangements for considering whether or not to approve such requests have yet to be decided. However the factors likely to be taken into account are:
	the bona fides of the research and the organisation undertaking it;
	a demonstrable need for information including pupil names (in many cases anonymised information may be sufficient);
	a willingness by the research organisation to take all reasonable steps to inform schools of the research and involve them in it;
	satisfactory assurances from the research organisation with regard to storing the information securely, using it only for the approved research purpose, disposing of it when that research has been completed, and not passing it on to any other person or organisation.
	In cases of doubt on any of these points, the Department would expect to err on the side of caution.
	Policy with respect to pupils leaving the state education system
	The Department does not intend to delete the records of pupils who leave the maintained schools sector, either at age 16 or 18, or before then. Information for these pupils remains of statistical and research valuefor example to analyse young people's progression from school into further education and training, higher education and the labour market. The Department will be using information on past pupils for statistical and research purposes only, and any disclosures will be for those purposes only. On this basis section 33 of the Data Protection Act allows personal data to be retained indefinitely.

Higher Education

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which constituencies have no higher education establishments within their boundaries.

Margaret Hodge: The available information, showing the number of HE institutions in each constituency in the UK, is contained in tables, copies of which have been placed in the Library. The tables only take into account the location of the main site of the institution; some institutions have more than one campus, which may be situated in a different constituency.

Administration

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administrative cost was of those functions of her Department concerned with schools in each year since 1997; and how much that sum represented per pupil.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 23 January 2002
	Since 1997, the Government's agenda for raising standards in schools has led to the introduction of many new policies, programmes and strategies. For example, the national literacy and numeracy strategies, working towards improved results at Key Stages 2 and 3, excellence in cities, along with modernising the teaching profession have all led to an increase in administrative spending on schools functions within the Department to ensure their effective delivery and continued success. However, this has mostly been achieved by redeploying resources from other functions in DfES. In real terms the Department's overall administrative costs were broadly the same in 200001 as they were in 199798.
	Administrative costs for schools related functions, along with the sums that these represent per pupil, each year since 1997 were as follows:
	
		
			million  per pupil 
		
		
			 199798 23.4 2.85 
			 199899 27.0 3.28 
			 19992000 31.0 3.73 
			 200001 34.5 4.14

Administration

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administrative cost was of those functions of her Department concerned with (a) further and (b) higher education in each year since 1997; and how much those sums represented per full-term equivalent student.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 23 January 2002
	The figures are given in the table for the years in question:
	
		
			   Financial year  
			  199798 199899 19992000 200001 
		
		
			 DFES further education administration costs (000s) 1,717 1,471 2,578 1,763 
			 DFES administrative cost per full time equivalent FE students (s) 1.69 1.48 2.63 1.69 
			 DfES higher education administrative costs (000s) 6,162 8,358 5,501 6,358 
			 DfES administrative cost per full time equivalent HE student (s) 6.05 8.17 5.28 5.98

Administration

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administrative cost was of those functions of her Department concerned with early years in each year since 1997; and how much that sum represented per child under five in the population.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 23 January 2002
	The estimated administrative costs of my Department concerned with early years and the sums that these represent per child under five in the population in each of the years in question were:
	
		
			  Year Administrative costs (000) Sum per child under five () 
		
		
			 199798 612 0.20 
			 199899 1,018 0.33 
			 19992000 1,149 0.38 
			 200001 1,623 0.54 
		
	
	The increase in funding for these functions reflects this Government's manifesto commitment to expand the early years sector, helping create new provision and to extend support for existing provision. This has mostly been achieved by redeploying resources from other functions in DfES. In real terms the Department's overall administrative costs were broadly the same in 200001 as they were in 199798.

Adult Education

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administrative cost was of those functions of her Department concerned with adult education and basic skills in each year since 1997; and how much that sum represented per adult in the population.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 23 January 2002
	The figures are set out in the table for the period 199899 to 200001. Figures prior to 199899 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. 'Adult Education' is interpreted as the local education authority secured adult education sector.
	
		
			 Financial year DfES admin cost (000) Cost per adult(24) () 
		
		
			 199899 207 0.01 
			 19992000 351 0.01 
			 200001 351 0.01 
		
	
	(24) The administrative cost for each complete financial year divided by the adult (age 19+) resident population for England (from the Office for National Statistics) taken at the mid point of the calendar year which forms the first nine months of each financial year.

Student Profiles

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the social class breakdown was in 2001 of students who (a) applied for and (b) were successful in obtaining places on degree courses at British universities in (i) law, (ii) medicine, (iii) engineering, (iv) nursing, (v) B Ed teaching, (vi) accountancy, (vii) veterinary studies and (viii) psychology; and what the percentage change in (A) applicants and (B) successful places has been since 1995, broken down by social class.

Margaret Hodge: Information for the years 1995 and 2001, and the percentage change, is shown in the tables. A change in the UCAS application system contributed to the decrease in applications between 1995 and 2001: in 1995 each applicant could make up to eight applications; but in 2001 each applicant could only make up to six applications.
	The Government are committed to raising the participation rates for people from less affluent family backgrounds, and have introduced Excellence Challenge, including the AimHigher campaign, which is targeted at raising attainment and aspirations among young people who traditionally would not consider going to university.
	
		Applicants(25) and accepted applicants through UCAS to full-time and sandwich first-degree courses in the United Kingdom by social class and subject
		
			  Social class  
			 Year of entry Professional Intermediate Skilled manual Skilled non-manual Partly skilled Unskilled Not known Grand total 
		
		
			 1995 
			 Applicants(25) 
			 Pre-clinical medicine 3,489 3,665 879 845 554 125 490 10,047 
			 Nursing 594 1,948 1,066 560 526 136 560 5,390 
			 Psychology 3,726 11,205 4,806 3,444 2,303 658 2,991 29,133 
			 Veterinary science 348 647 136 124 62 7 57 1,381 
			 Engineering(26) 4,254 9,544 4,907 2,809 2,242 467 2,580 26,803 
			 Law 2,919 7,598 3,062 2,259 1,462 480 2,039 19,819 
			 Accountancy 1,171 3,978 2,216 1,510 1,064 328 1,192 11,459 
			 Education(27) 4,199 16,010 9,306 5,338 3,811 1,002 3,840 43,506 
			  
			  Accepted Applicants   
			 Pre-clinical medicine 1,720 1,571 280 341 167 29 127 4,235 
			 Nursing 225 596 290 171 126 31 146 1,585 
			 Psychology 1,015 2,671 1,055 782 502 136 673 6,834 
			 Veterinary science 145 248 27 42 10 2 8 482 
			 Engineering(26) 2,430 5,034 2,411 1,432 1,115 240 1,399 14,061 
			 Law 1,541 3,570 1,272 965 592 166 793 8,899 
			 Accountancy 424 1,381 731 538 354 108 390 3,926 
			 Education(27) 1,285 4,605 2,442 1,513 952 214 1,014 12,025 
			  
			 2001 
			 Applicants(25) 
			 Pre-clinical medicine 2,805 3,017 690 716 351 74 1,003 8,656 
			 Nursing 538 2,878 1,221 1,086 1,222 177 1,560 8,682 
			 Psychology 2,969 10,327 4,176 3,409 2,143 537 3,179 26,740 
			 Veterinary science 394 698 161 151 71 11 131 1,617 
			 Engineering(26) 3,418 8,277 4,081 2,393 1,624 378 3,403 23,574 
			 Law 2,686 7,693 3,246 2,584 1,416 476 2,961 21,062 
			 Accountancy 1,000 3,587 1,943 1,429 850 271 1,479 10,559 
			 Education(27) 1,222 5,912 3,397 2,438 1,875 352 2,071 17,267 
			  
			  Accepted Applicants   
			 Pre-clinical medicine 2,053 2,037 406 439 204 36 500 5,675 
			 Nursing 246 1,349 472 431 515 58 622 3,693 
			 Psychology 1,166 3,981 1,404 1,305 732 164 1,209 9,961 
			 Veterinary science 175 290 43 48 26 1 53 636 
			 Engineering(26) 2,058 4,493 2,047 1,216 841 190 1,749 12,594 
			 Law 1,731 4,658 1,781 1,501 747 256 1,686 12,360 
			 Accountancy 411 1,413 743 649 355 103 626 4,300 
			 Education(27) 530 2,422 1,320 1,009 777 115 792 6,965 
		
	
	
		Percentage change for applicants(25) and accepted applicants from 1995 to 2001
		
			  Social class  
			 Year of entry Professional Intermediate Skilled manual Skilled non-manual Partly skilled Unskilled Not known Grand total 
		
		
			 2001 
			 Applicants(25) 
			 Pre-clinical medicine -20 -18 -22 -15 -37 -41 105 -14 
			 Nursing -9 48 15 94 132 30 179 61 
			 Psychology -20 -8 -13 -1 -7 -18 6 -8 
			 Veterinary science 13 8 18 22 15 57 130 17 
			 Engineering(26) -20 -13 -17 -15 -28 -19 32 -12 
			 Law -8 1 6 14 -3 -1 45 6 
			 Accountancy -15 -10 -12 -5 -20 -17 24 -8 
			 Education(27) -71 -63 -63 -54 -51 -65 -46 -60 
			  
			 Accepted Applicants 
			 Pre-clinical medicine 19 30 45 29 22 24 294 34 
			 Nursing 9 126 63 152 309 87 326 133 
			 Psychology 15 49 33 67 46 21 80 46 
			 Veterinary science 21 17 59 14 160 -50 563 32 
			 Engineering(26) -15 -11 -15 -15 -25 -21 25 -10 
			 Law 12 30 40 56 26 54 113 39 
			 Accountancy -3 2 2 21 0 -5 61 10 
			 Education(27) -59 -47 -46 -33 -18 -46 -22 -42 
		
	
	(25) In 1995 each student could make up to eight applications; in 2001 each student could make up to 6 applications. In the tables, applicants are counted once under each subject to which they applied.
	(26) Includes general, civil, mechanical, aeronautical, electrical, electronic, production/manufacturing and chemical engineering courses.
	(27) Includes courses within the Education Group that lead to Qualified Teacher Status. In 1995, the Education group included all sports science, leisure studies and recreation management courses. Since 1997, these courses have been re-coded into other subject lines.

Special Measures

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list (a) the name and corresponding local education authority of each school placed under special measures since May 1997 and (b) the duration for which they were under special measures.

Stephen Timms: I shall place in the Library a list of the names of schools which have been judged to require special measures since May 1997, together with their local education authority and the length of time they were in special measures. The list also includes a number of schools which were closed while in special measures.

Financial Resources and Initiatives (Dorset)

Jim Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the financial resources and initiatives sponsored by her Department in the last 12 months for Dorset which are additional to the Government SSA grants.

Stephen Timms: The table shows the Department's allocated grants to Dorset local education authority in 200001 and 200102.
	
		 
		
			   200001  200102  
		
		
			 Standards Fund (revenue) 7,369,622 9,104,494 
			 Teachers Pay Reform Grant 2,069,823 2,699,397 
			 Nursery Education Grant (3-year-olds) 395,024 1,513,512 
			 Nursery Education Grant (4-year-olds) 1,332,672  
			 Early Years Training and Recruitment 52,300 231,024 
			 Early Years Special Education Needs Co-ordinators  33,691 
			 Childcare Grant 373,700 1,670,361 
			 School Standards Grant 2,354,000 4,866,000 
			 School Budget Support Grant 343,176  
			 Education Budget Support Grant  100,000 
			 Transitional Funding and Transitional Grant Insurance (former GM Schools) 36,837 4,742 
			 Capital Grant 11,018,000 9,061,000 
		
	
	Note:
	Amounts are in cash terms. 200102 figures may be subject to change.
	Information on other support for projects in Dorset, provided outside the local government finance system, is not readily available.

Direct Grants

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the direct grants for schools in north Lincolnshire and north-east Lincolnshire in (a) 200001 and (b) 200102.

Stephen Timms: The tables show School Standards Grant payable for each school in north Lincolnshire and north- east Lincolnshire in 200001 and 200102.
	
		School standards grantnorth Lincolnshire LEA -- 
		
			 School number  School name  200001  200102 
		
		
			 1103 Millbrook Holme PRU 3,000 7,000 
			 1105 Young Parents Unit 3,000 0 
			 2001 Westcliffe Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2100 Alkborough Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2101 Althorpe and Keadby Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2105 Bottesford Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2106 Brigg Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 2107 Broughton Infant School 6,000 13,500 
			 2108 Burton-upon-Stather Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2115 Crowle Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2116 East Halton Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2118 Goxhill Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2120 Hibaldstow Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2121 Kirton Lindsey Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2122 Luddington and Garthorpe Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2123 Messingham Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2125 Killingholme Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2126 Scawby Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2129 Brumby Junior School 9,000 30,000 
			 2130 Bushfield Road Infant School 6,000 13,500 
			 2133 Frodingham Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 2134 Henderson Avenue Primary School 9,000 48,000 
			 2136 Lincoln Gardens Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2137 Lincoln Gardens Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 2138 South Ferriby Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2140 Winteringham Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2141 Worlaby Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 2143 Priory Lane Infant School 6,000 13,500 
			 2146 Priory Lane Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2147 Grange Lane Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 2148 Grange Lane Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2149 Riddings Infant School 9,000 13,500 
			 2150 Rochdale Road Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2152 Riddings Junior School 9,000 2,400 
			 2155 Enderby Road Infant School 6,000 7,000 
			 2159 Leys Farm Junior School 6,000 13,500 
			 2168 Parkwood Infant School 6,000 13,500 
			 2169 Parkwood Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2171 Sunway Infant School 6,000 13,500 
			 2172 Berkeley Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 2173 Bottesford Infant School 6,000 24,000 
			 2174 Berkeley Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2180 Winterton Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2567 Holme Valley Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2568 Bowmandale Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2880 Broughton Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2890 Epworth Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2907 Crosby Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 2940 Castledyke Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3055 St. Barnabas CofE Primary School, Barnetby 6,000 13,500 
			 3056 John Harrison CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3057 Barton St. Peter's CofE Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3058 Belton All Saints CofE Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3063 Gunness and Burringham CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3064 Haxey CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3067 Kirmington CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3071 Scunthorpe CofE Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3073 West Butterwick CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3074 Westwoodside CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3075 Winterton CofE Infant School 6,000 24,000 
			 3076 Wrawby St. Mary's CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3077 Wroot Travis Charity Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3078 New Holland Church of England and Methodist Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3079 Ulceby St. Nicholas Church of England Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3320 St. Martin's CofE Primary School 6,000 7,000 
			 3322 Wootton St. Andrew's CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3323 St. Mary's Catholic Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3324 Saint Norbert's Catholic Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3325 St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3326 Saint Augustine Webster Catholic Primary School 9,000 30,000 
			 3330 Eastoft Church of England Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 4074 Huntcliff School 40,000 70,000 
			 4075 Brumby School 40,000 70,000 
			 4076 Foxhills Comprehensive School 40,000 70,000 
			 4077 Thomas Sumpter School 40,000 70,000 
			 4081 South Leys School 30,000 58,000 
			 4082 North Axholme School 30,000 58,000 
			 4083 South Axholme Community School 40,700 70,000 
			 4087 Frederick Gough School 40,000 70,000 
			 4088 High Ridge School 30,000 58,000 
			 4090 Winterton Comprehensive School 40,000 70,000 
			 4091 Vale of Ancholme School 30,000 58,000 
			 4491 Baysgarth School 40,000 70,000 
			 4501 Sir John Nelthorpe School 40,000 70,000 
			 4700 St. Bede's Catholic School 40,000 70,000 
			 7019 St. Hugh's School 15,000 28,000 
			 7020 St. Luke's School 15,000 20,000 
		
	
	
		School standards grant: north-east Lincolnshire LEA -- 
		
			 School number  School name  200001  200102 
		
		
			 1006 Nunsthorpe Nursery School 3,000 7,000 
			 1007 Great Coates Nursery School 3,000 7,000 
			 1012 Scartho Nursery School 3,000 7,000 
			 1101 Phoenix House 3,000 7,000 
			 1104 Young Mothers Unit 3,000 7,000 
			 2000 Allerton Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2001 Yarborough Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2002 Woodlands Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2003 Nunsthorpe Community School 0 24,000 
			 2109 William Barcroft Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2112 Elliston Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2113 Queen Mary Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 2114 Reynolds Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2124 New Waltham Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2142 Thrunscoe Infants' School 6,000 13,500 
			 2144 Pelham Infants' School 6,000 13,500 
			 2145 Enfield (New Waltham) Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 2151 The Leas Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2153 Thrunscoe Junior School 6,000 13,500 
			 2154 Healing Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2175 Signhills Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2176 Signhills Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2178 Eastfield Junior School 6,000 13,500 
			 2179 Eastfield Infants' School 6,000 13,500 
			 2181 The Leas Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2182 Middlethorpe Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2183 Reynolds Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2184 Elliston Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2877 Coomb Briggs Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2892 Weelsby Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2895 Edward Heneage Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2896 Fairfield Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2897 Great Coates Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2898 Springfield Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2899 Western Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2900 Willows Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2919 Grange Infant and Nursery School 9,000 24,000 
			 2920 Grange Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2921 Macaulay Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2922 Macaulay Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2923 South Parade Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 2924 South Parade Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2925 Strand Infants' School 9,000 13,500 
			 2926 Strand Junior School 9,000 13,500 
			 2927 Nunsthorpe Infants' School 9,000 0 
			 2928 Nunsthorpe Junior School 9,000 0 
			 2929 Scartho Infants' School 6,000 13,500 
			 2930 Scartho Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2931 Welholme Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2932 Welholme Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2933 Wybers Wood Infant School 6,000 13,500 
			 2934 Wybers Wood Junior School 9,000 24,000 
			 2935 Old Clee Infants' School 9,000 24,000 
			 2936 Old Clee Junior School 9,000 30,000 
			 2937 Little Coates Primary School 9,000 13,500 
			 2938 Laceby Acres Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2939 Humberston Cloverfields Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 2943 Bursar Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3059 St. Peter's CofE Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3060 East Ravendale CofE Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3065 The Humberston CofE Primary School 9,000 24,000 
			 3066 Immingham St. Andrew's CofE Junior School 6,000 13,500 
			 3068 Stanford Junior and Infant School 9,000 24,000 
			 3072 Stallingborough CofE Primary School 3,000 7,000 
			 3300 Lisle Marsden CofE Aided Primary School 0 30,000 
			 3512 Lisle Marsden CofE (VA) Infant School 9,000 0 
			 3513 Lisle Marsden CofE (VA) Junior School 9,000 0 
			 3514 St. Joseph's RC Primary School 6,000 13,500 
			 3515 St. Mary's RC Primary School 9,000 7,000 
			 4008 Havelock School 40,000 70,000 
			 4009 Hereford Technology School 40,000 70,000 
			 4011 Whitgift School 40,000 70,000 
			 4013 The Western Technology School 40,000 70,000 
			 4038 Wintringham School 40,000 58,000 
			 4073 The Immingham School 40,000 70,000 
			 4078 Toll Bar School 50,000 82,000 
			 4084 Healing Comprehensive School 40,000 70,000 
			 4086 The Lindsey School and Community Arts College 50,000 82,000 
			 4092 Humberston Comprehensive School 40,000 70,000 
			 4503 Matthew Humberstone Church of England School 50,000 82,000 
			 4627 St. Mary's Catholic School 30,000 58,000 
			 7011 Humberston Park School 15,000 20,000 
			 7033 Cambridge Park School 15,000 28,000

Standards Funds

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the Standards Funds received by schools in north Lincolnshire and north-east Lincolnshire for the years (a) 200001 and (b) 200102.

Stephen Timms: The table shows allocations for the Standards Fund for north Lincolnshire and north-east Lincolnshire local education authorities in 200001 and 200102. The figures include both Government and local authority contributions. The amount actually paid to schools depends on local expenditure decisions by schools and the local authority.
	
		Standards Fund allocations
		
			   
		
		
			 North Lincolnshire council: 200001  
			 Administrative Support for Small Schools 263,315 
			 Beacon Schools 35,300 
			 Best Practice Research Scholarships 2,998 
			 Class Size Initiative 1,214,276 
			 Devolved Formula Capital for Schools 1,155,991 
			 Early Years Training and Development 42,186 
			 Education and Health Partnerships 42,401 
			 Ethnic Minority Pupils and Traveller Achievement 281,121 
			 Key Stage 3 Numeracy: Secondary Schools Conference 10,196 
			 Literacy and Numeracy: Summer Schools and Key Stage 3 110,000 
			 National Grid for Learning 815,218 
			 New National Curriculum 65,100 
			 Performance Management Training 149,694 
			 Primary Literacy and Numeracy Strategies 525,243 
			 Protecting Local Authority Music Services 190,000 
			 Qualifications 37,481 
			 School Improvement 941,482 
			 School Laboratories for the 21st Century 127,660 
			 School Leadership 110,213 
			 School Security 76,870 
			 Secondary School Learning Support Units 51,723 
			 Seed Capital Challenge 130,270 
			 Small School Support Fund 84,663 
			 Social Inclusion, Drugs and Youth 403,017 
			 Special Educational Needs 213,338 
			 Specialist Schools 280,418 
			 Study Support 50,710 
			 Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Pupils 27,000 
			 Support for Parent Governor Representatives 1,200 
			 Supported Early Retirement Scheme for Heads 34,702 
			 Teacher Incentives 13,375 
			 Teaching Assistants 432,314 
			 Transforming Key Stage 3 708,500 
			 Working Environment Fund 67,852 
			 Year 6 Literacy and Numeracy Booster Classes 143,180 
			  
			 Total 8,839,007 
			   
			 North Lincolnshire council: 200102  
			 Advanced Skills Teachers 99,500 
			 Beacon Schools 64,700 
			 Children in Public Care 21,908 
			 Class Size Initiative 788,758 
			 Devolved Capital 1,481,065 
			 Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco 57,310 
			 Early Years Training and Development 37,365 
			 Education Health Partnerships 29,718 
			 Ethnic Minority Achievement 281,121 
			 Induction of Newly Qualified Teachers 153,788 
			 Information Management Strategy 104,787 
			 Key Stage 3 Strategy 633,140 
			 Learning Support Units 111,916 
			 Literacy and Numeracy Summer Schools 140,000 
			 Local Education Authority Music Services 190,000 
			 National Curriculum 64,814 
			 National Grid for Learning 876,804 
			 NDS Condition Funding 757,823 
			 Performance Management 89,173 
			 Primary Literacy and Numeracy Strategies 568,392 
			 Qualifications 13,069 
			 School Achievement Awards 181,520 
			 School Improvement 742,000 
			 School Laboratories 144,809 
			 School Leadership 150,731 
			 School Security 76,844 
			 Seed Capital Challenge 141,185 
			 Sick Children 6,259 
			 Small Schools Fund 336,606 
			 Social Inclusion: Pupil Support 437,100 
			 Special Educational Needs 228,472 
			 Specialist Schools 301,427 
			 Study Support 186,354 
			 Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Children 18,000 
			 Supported Early Retirement Scheme for Heads 40,000 
			 Teaching Assistants 650,329 
			 Year 6 Booster Classes 156,544 
			 Year 9 Booster Classes 4,500 
			  
			 Total 10,367,831 
			   
			 North-East Lincolnshire council: 200001  
			 Administrative Support for Small Schools 136,924 
			 Advanced Skills Teachers 105,000 
			 Beacon Schools 10,000 
			 Best Practice Research Scholarships 25,415 
			 Class Size Initiative 1,207,193 
			 Developing and Extending Maintained Nursery School Services 37,009 
			 Devolved Formula Capital for Schools 1,208,164 
			 Early Excellence Centres 212,128 
			 Early Years Training and Development 41,796 
			 Education and Health partnerships 29,043 
			 Ethnic Minority Pupils and Traveller Achievement 43,476 
			 Key Stage 3 Numeracy: Secondary Schools Conference 9,558 
			 Literacy and Numeracy: Summer Schools and Key Stage 3 110,000 
			 Local Authority Music Services 309,000 
			 Maintained Nursery Capital 15,317 
			 National Grid for Learning 767,268 
			 New National Curriculum 66,800 
			 Nursery Capital: Wrap-around Care 60,295 
			 Performance Management Training 138,166 
			 Pilot Education Maintenance Allowance 480,103 
			 Playing for Success 100,000 
			 Primary Literacy and Numeracy Strategies 546,906 
			 Qualifications 39,460 
			 School Improvement 1,112,357 
			 School Laboratories for the 21st Century 132,684 
			 School Leadership 106,413 
			 School Security 79,479 
			 Secondary School Learning Support Units 67,572 
			 Seed Capital Challenge 138,120 
			 Small School Support Fund 47,758 
			 Social Inclusion, Drugs and Youth 614,430 
			 Special Educational Needs 299,809 
			 Specialist Schools 375,380 
			 Study Support 95,343 
			 Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Pupils 18,000 
			 Support for Parent Governor Representatives 1,200 
			 Teaching Assistants 495,318 
			 Teenage Pregnancies 68,400 
			 Working Environment Fund 66,606 
			 Year 6 Literacy and Numeracy Booster Classes 155,129 
			  
			 Total 9,573,019 
			   
			 North-East Lincolnshire council: 200102  
			 Adult:Pupil Ratios in Reception Classes 173,396 
			 Advanced Skills Teachers 110,000 
			 Beacon Schools 122,000 
			 Children in Public Care 27,881 
			 Class Size Initiative 699,104 
			 Devolved Capital 979,884 
			 Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco 48,490 
			 Early Excellence Centres 470,531 
			 Early Years Training and Development 34,609 
			 Education Health Partnerships 28,609 
			 Ethnic Minority Achievement 43,476 
			 Fresh Start 393,800 
			 Induction of Newly Qualified Teachers 262,600 
			 Information Management Strategy 106,607 
			 Key Stage 3: National Implementation 248,283 
			 Learning Support Units 131,666 
			 Literacy and Numeracy Summer Schools 70,000 
			 Local Education Authority Music Services 309,000 
			 Maintained Nursery School Service 37,546 
			 National Curriculum 65,813 
			 National Grid for Learning 847,023 
			 NDS Condition Funding 1,351,460 
			 Performance Management 95,561 
			 Playing for Success 100,000 
			 Primary Literacy and Numeracy Strategies 590,585 
			 Qualifications 11,202 
			 School Achievement Awards 255,850 
			 School Improvement 897,000 
			 School Laboratories 132,684 
			 School Leadership 80,859 
			 School Security 78,179 
			 Seed Capital Challenge 150,835 
			 Sick Children 7,966 
			 Small Schools Fund 160,289 
			 Social Inclusion 764,800 
			 Special Educational Needs 290,761 
			 Specialist Schools 297,606 
			 Study Support 204,534 
			 Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Children 18,000 
			 Supported Early Retirement Scheme for Heads 40,000 
			 Teacher Recruitment Measures (Golden Hellos) 30,762 
			 Teaching Assistants 758,026 
			 Teenage Pregnancies 68,400 
			 Year 6 Booster Classes 163,577 
			 Year 9 Booster Classes 54,000 
			  
			 Total 11,813,254

Standards Funds

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2002, Official Report, columns 58789W, on Standard Funds, if she will list the amounts contributed by the Government to the Standard Funds in (a) 200001 and (b) 200102.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 25 January 2002
	The table shows allocations for the Standards Fund for Hampshire local education authority in 200001 and 200102 and the Government's contribution.
	
		Standards Fund allocations for Hampshire county council -- 
		
			   Total allocation DfES contribution 
		
		
			 200001   
			 Administrative Support for Small Schools 608,000 304,000 
			 Advanced Skills Teachers 136,500 68,250 
			 Beacon Schools 341,450 341,450 
			 Best Practice Research Scholarships 75,675 75,675 
			 Class Size Initiative 4,245,393 4,245,393 
			 Developing and Extending Maintained Nursery School Services 24,945 24,945 
			 Devolved Formula Capital for Schools 7,605,169 7,605,169 
			 Early Excellence Centres 98,228 98,228 
			 Early Years Training and Development 303,077 151,539 
			 Education and Health Partnerships 97,995 97,995 
			 Ethnic Minority Pupils and Traveller Achievement 397,838 230,746 
			 Key Stage 3 Numeracy: Secondary Schools Conference 61,812 30,906 
			 Literacy and Numeracy: Summer Schools and Key Stage 3 176,000 88,000 
			 Local Education Authority Music Services 1,085,380 882,190 
			 Maintained Nursery Capital 11,613 11,613 
			 National Grid for Learning 3,858,095 1,929,048 
			 New Models for LEA Services 45,000 45,000 
			 New National Curriculum 431,400 215,700 
			 Performance Management Training 907,454 725,963 
			 Primary Literacy and Numeracy Strategies 2,792,848 1,790,773 
			 Qualifications 197,363 98,682 
			 School Improvement 7,239,927 3,619,964 
			 School Laboratories for the 21st Century 550,813 550,813 
			 School Leadership 449,904 349,952 
			 School Security 510,545 382,909 
			 Secondary School Learning Support Units 239,741 239,741 
			 Seed Capital Challenge 593,728 593,728 
			 Small School Support Fund 440,681 220,341 
			 Social Inclusion, Drugs and Youth 1,776,297 888,149 
			 Special Educational Needs 741,547 370,774 
			 Specialist Schools 756,016 756,016 
			 Study Support 160,640 80,320 
			 Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Pupils 63,000 63,000 
			 Support for Parent Governor Representatives 1,200 1,200 
			 Supported Early Retirement Scheme for Heads 180,399 90,200 
			 Teacher Incentives 82,555 82,555 
			 Teaching Assistants 2,806,098 2,525,488 
			 Working Environment Fund 485,925 485,925 
			 Year 6 Literacy and Numeracy Booster Classes 873,277 873,277 
			 Total 41,453,528 31,235,617 
			 200102   
			 Advanced Skills Teachers 697,500 369,675 
			 Beacon Schools 643,150 643,150 
			 Child Protection Co-ordinators 39,600 39,600 
			 Children in Public Care 136,330 72,255 
			 Children of Asylum Seekers 1,000 1,000 
			 Class Size Initiative 5,520,194 5,520,194 
			 Devolved Formula Capital for Schools 11,928,266 11,928,266 
			 Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco 275,510 186,628 
			 Early Excellence Centres 89,030 89,030 
			 Early Professional Development 950,400 950,400 
			 Early Years Training and Development 350,537 185,785 
			 Education Health Partnerships 86,634 86,634 
			 Ethnic Minority Achievement 250,513 132,772 
			 Gifted and Talented Children 72,000 72,000 
			 Induction of Newly Qualified Teachers 1,478,967 783,853 
			 Information Management Strategy 691,163 691,163 
			 Learning Support Units 640,155 640,155 
			 Literacy and Numeracy Summer Schools 420,000 222,600 
			 Local Education Authority Music Services 882,200 882,200 
			 Maintained Nursery School Service 53,663 53,663 
			 National Curriculum 427,613 226,635 
			 National Grid for Learning 5,595,910 2,965,832 
			 NDS Condition Funding 7,824,772 7,824,772 
			 New Models for Local Education Authority Services 100,000 100,000 
			 Performance Management 624,554 624,554 
			 Primary Literacy and Numeracy Strategies 3,279,526 2,315,979 
			 Qualifications 66,279 35,128 
			 Recruitment and Retention Fund 1,652,000 1,652,000 
			 School Achievement Awards 1,254,260 1,254,260 
			 School Improvement 4,528,000 2,402,190 
			 School Laboratories 1,101,626 1,101,626 
			 School Leadership 721,262 612,672 
			 School Security 506,853 268,632 
			 Seed Capital Challenge 687,914 687,914 
			 Sick Children 38,951 38,951 
			 Small Schools Fund 1,739,130 921,739 
			 Social Inclusion: Pupil Support 1,768,300 937,199 
			 Special Educational Needs 1,421,726 753,515 
			 Specialist Schools 854,715 854,715 
			 Study Support 1,302,976 690,577 
			 Supported Early Retirement Scheme for Heads 240,000 127,200 
			 Teaching Assistants 4,184,795 2,217,941 
			 Transforming Key Stage 3 918,789 486,958 
			 Traveller Children Achievement 177,231 93,932 
			 Year 6 Literacy and Numeracy Booster Classes 975,740 975,740 
			 Year 9 Booster Classes 319,500 319,500 
			 Total 67,519,234 54,041,184

Class Sizes

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average (a) class size and (b) pupil:teacher ratio in (i) primary schools and (ii) secondary schools in (A) Yeovil constituency, (B) Somerset and (C) England was in each year from 1980 to 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The available information is shown in the following tables:
	
		Pupil:teacher ratio in primary and secondary schoolsPosition in January each year
		
			   Yeovil constituency  Somerset LEA  England  
			  Primary Secondary Primary Secondary Primary Secondary 
		
		
			 2001 23.3 18.7 22.9 18.5 22.9 17.1 
			 2000 23.9 19.5 23.7 18.6 23.3 17.2 
			 1999 24.3 19.3 24.3 18.4 23.5 17.0 
			 1998 24.1 18.3 23.9 18.1 23.7 16.9 
			 1997 23.6 17.7 23.5 18.0 23.4 16.7 
			 1996 (28) (28) 23.2 18.0 23.2 16.6 
			 1995 (28) (28) 22.6 17.0 22.9 16.5 
			 1994 (28) (28) 22.6 16.6 22.7 16.4 
			 1993 (28) (28) 22.5 16.3 22.4 16.1 
			 1992 (28) (28) 22.3 16.0 22.2 15.8 
			 1991 (28) (28) 22.1 15.7 22.2 15.5 
			 1990 (28) (28) 22.2 15.5 22.0 15.3 
			 1989 (28) (28) 22.8 15.8 22.0 15.3 
			 1988 (28) (28) 23.1 16.3 22.0 15.4 
			 1987 (28) (28) 22.9 16.7 21.9 15.6 
			 1986 (28) (28) 23.9 17.4 22.1 15.9 
			 1985 (28) (28) 24.2 17.6 22.2 16.1 
			 1984 (28) (28) 23.8 17.6 22.1 16.2 
			 1983 (28) (28) 24.6 18.3 22.3 16.5 
			 1982 (28) (28) 24.7 18.5 22.5 16.6 
			 1981 (28) (28) 24.7 18.3 22.6 16.6 
			 1980 (28) (28) 24.7 18.4 22.7 16.6 
		
	
	(28) Not available
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census
	
		Average class size in primary and secondary schools(29)Position in January each year
		
			   Yeovil constituency  Somerset LEA  England  
			  Primary Secondary Primary Secondary Primary Secondary 
		
		
			 2001 27.0 24.1 26.9 23.9 26.7 22.0 
			 2000 27.7 24.8 27.6 23.6 27.1 22.0 
			 1999 27.8 24.1 28.0 23.9 27.5 21.9 
			 1998 27.6 24.2 27.8 23.9 27.7 21.7 
			 1997 27.0 23.2 27.6 23.2 27.5 21.7 
			 1996 (30) (30) 27.3 23.2 27.3 21.7 
			 1995 (30) (30) 27.0 22.5 27.1 21.5 
			 1994 (30) (30) 26.9 22.1 26.9 21.4 
			 1993 (30) (30) 27.0 22.5 26.6 20.9 
			 1992 (30) (30) 26.8 21.4 26.4 20.6 
			 1991 (30) (30) 26.5 21.4 26.3 20.3 
			 1990 (30) (30) 26.3 20.7 25.9 20.0 
			 1989 (30) (30) 26.3 21.0 25.4 19.9 
			 1988 (30) (30) 26.8 20.7 25.4 19.9 
			 1987 (30) (30) 26.4 21.4 25.4 21.7 
			 1986 (30) (30) 27.1 21.9 25.5 20.3 
			 1985 (30) (30) 27.2 22.2 24.9 20.4 
			 1984 (30) (30) 26.6 22.0 24.7 20.4 
			 1983 (30) (30) 27.1 22.2 24.8 20.6 
			 1982 (30) (30) 27.3 22.8 25.1 20.7 
			 1981 (30) (30) 27.2 22.5 25.2 20.8 
			 1980 (30) (30) 27.5 22.6 25.4 20.9 
		
	
	(29) One teacher classes
	(30) Not available
	Note:
	Data at parliamentary constituency level are not available prior to 1997
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census

Class Sizes

Janet Dean: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average pupil:teacher ratios for (a) primary and (b) secondary schools were for each of the shire counties in the last year for which figures are available.

Stephen Timms: The figures for pupil:teacher ratios in primary and secondary schools in shire counties are shown in the table.
	
		Maintained primary and secondary schools pupil:teacher ratios by type of school in each shire county in England
		
			   Pupil:teacher ratios  
			 January 2001  Primary Secondary 
		
		
			 Bedfordshire 22.9 18.8 
			 Buckinghamshire 22.8 18.3 
			 Cambridgeshire 24.1 18.7 
			 Cheshire 22.9 16.9 
			 Cornwall 22.9 18.0 
			 Cumbria 22.0 16.8 
			 Derbyshire 24.2 17.5 
			 Devon 23.1 17.7 
			 Dorset 22.7 18.5 
			 Durham 22.2 17.2 
			 East Sussex 22.7 17.1 
			 Essex 22.9 17.5 
			 Gloucestershire 22.3 17.2 
			 Hampshire 23.0 17.6 
			 Hertfordshire 23.0 16.7 
			 Kent 23.4 17.4 
			 Lancashire 23.6 16.9 
			 Leicestershire 23.2 17.8 
			 Lincolnshire 23.9 17.2 
			 Norfolk 22.1 16.9 
			 North Yorkshire 22.5 16.6 
			 Northamptonshire 22.9 17.4 
			 Northumberland 22.8 18.6 
			 Nottinghamshire 24.0 17.6 
			 Oxfordshire 22.3 17.8 
			 Shropshire 22.8 17.3 
			 Somerset 22.9 18.5 
			 Staffordshire 23.7 17.6 
			 Suffolk 22.0 17.1 
			 Surrey 22.8 17.6 
			 Warwickshire 23.0 17.2 
			 West Sussex 22.5 17.0 
			 Wiltshire 22.8 17.5 
			 Worcestershire 22.9 18.3 
			 England 22.9 17.1 
		
	
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census

Pupil Referral and Learning Support Units

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 8 January 2002, Official Report, column 713W, on pupil referral and learning support units, how many people are employed in the Home Tuition and Hospital Teaching Service.

Ivan Lewis: Buckinghamshire local education authority (LEA) have a combined hospital and home teaching service which employs one full-time hospital teacher, a part-time learning support assistant and supply teachers depending on demand. Home teachers are employed on a sessional basis as and when required. These staff are managed by, but not part of, the PRU service.

Early Learning Places

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 5 December 2001, Official Report, column 415W, how many new free part-time early learning places will be made available in the Buckingham constituency.

Margaret Hodge: On 2 January 2002, Baroness Ashton announced details of 275 million of funding available in 200203 for the provision of free, part-time, early education places for 3-year-olds. Buckingham local education authority has been allocated 3.8 million of this funding to provide 3,100 free, part-time, early education places.

Pupil Achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of pupils achieved Level 5 or above at Key Stage 3 (a) in England and (b) from schools based in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The percentage of pupils achieving Level 5 or above at Key Stage 3 (a) in England and (b) from schools based in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997 are as follows:
	
		Percentage 
		
			  Buckingham England 
		
		
			 English   
			 2001(31) 79 64 
			 2000 72 64 
			 1999 75 64 
			 1998 78 65 
			 1997 72 57 
			
			 Mathematics   
			 2001(31) 75 66 
			 2000 78 65 
			 1999 73 62 
			 1998 73 59 
			 1997 72 60 
			
			 Science   
			 2001(31) 76 66 
			 2000 68 59 
			 1999 69 55 
			 1998 70 56 
			 1997 71 60 
		
	
	(31) Provisional
	Source:
	National Curriculum Results
	2001 SFR40/2001National Curriculum Assessments of 7, 11 and 14-year-olds 2001
	19972000 Statistical Bulletins

Pupil Achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of pupils achieved Level 2 or above at Key Stage 1 (a) in England and (b) from schools based in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The percentage of pupils achieving Level 2 or above at Key Stage 1 (a) in England and (b) from schools based in the Buckingham constituency in each year since 1997 are as follows:
	
		Percentage 
		
			  Buckingham England 
		
		
			 Reading   
			 2001(32) 90 84 
			 2000 93 83 
			 1999 91 82 
			 1998 87 80 
			 1997 89 80 
			
			 Writing   
			 2001(32) 92 86 
			 2000 93 84 
			 1999 93 83 
			 1998 88 81 
			 1997 90 80 
			 Spelling   
			 2001(32) 83 75 
			 2000 83 72 
			 1999 80 71 
			 1998 73 66 
			 1997 70 62 
			
			 Mathematics   
			 2001(32) 96 91 
			 2000 96 90 
			 1999 93 87 
			 1998 89 84 
			 1997 92 84 
		
	
	(32) Provisional
	Source:
	National Curriculum Results
	2001 SFR40/2001National Curriculum Assessments of 7, 11 and 14-year-olds 2001
	19972000 Statistical Bulletins

Departmental Expenditure (Publications)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her estimate is of the expenditure of her Department on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last four years.

Ivan Lewis: The following figures cover the purchase of books as well as newspapers, magazines and periodicals. It is not possible to separate these costs further without disproportionate expense.
	
		
			 Financial year 000 
		
		
			 199798 209 
			 199899 173 
			 19992000 274 
			 200001 269

Assaults on Teachers

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 402W, how many assaults there were on teachers in each LEA in each year since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The Department does not collect this information from local education authorities.

Education Spending (Portsmouth)

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the Portsmouth local education authority spending on education (a) above SSA per pupil for the primary and secondary sectors, (b) in total for 199091 to 200102 and (c) projected for the financial year 200203, adjusted for inflation at current values; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: Portsmouth local education authority did not exist as an LEA until 199798. The information for Portsmouth LEA is as follows:
	
		Real terms figures(33)
		
			  199798 199899 19992000 
		
		
			 NCE per pupil
			 Pre-pri/Primary 2,180 2,290 2,460 
			 Secondary 2,820 2,860 3,030 
			  
			 Total 2,410 2,500 2,680 
			 
			 SSA per pupil
			 Pre-pri/Primary 2,110 2,340 2,460 
			 Secondary 3,070 3,120 3,120 
			  
			 Total 2,460 2,630 2,710 
		
	
	(33) Rounded to the nearest 10
	Notes:
	1. Figures for 199798 and 199899 include grant maintained schools. Figures for 19992000 include ex-GM schools
	2. All figures are in real terms at 200001 prices, and rounded to the nearest 10.
	3. Portsmouth came into being as a result of an LEA reorganisation in 199798. It did not exist as a separate LEA but was part of Hampshire LEA prior to 199798.
	4. Expenditure is given by Net Current Expenditure (NCE) after recharges.
	5. Expenditure data for 19902000 is taken from section 52 outturn statements completed by local education authorities and returned to the DfES. Data for all previous years is taken from DTLR's Revenue Outturn returns.
	6. SSA figures implicitly cover funding for special schools, and there is no split available for special schools. The NCE figures provided here are for pre-primary and secondary only. Hence the two sets of figures are not comparable.
	7. Pupil numbers used in calculating per pupil figures are financial year averages, based on January Annual School Census returns.
	Information for 200001 and 200102 is not yet available and as a result it is not possible to arrive at a projection for 200203.

Teachers (Returners' Bonus)

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much money has been allocated for returners' bonuses for people returning to the teaching profession.

Stephen Timms: The allocation for the current financial year is 4.034 million.

Standard Spending Assessment (Swindon)

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what Swindon's SSA per pupil for (i) post-16 and (ii) four-year-olds was for 199798 to 200203; and what the average figures for England were for those years.

Stephen Timms: The post-16 SSA and four-year-old SSA cannot be expressed meaningfully as a per pupil amount because education for those groups is not compulsory and a large part of the SSA for these sub-blocks is determined on factors other than pupil numbers.

Student Financing

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will compensate students and former students who started their degrees in the years 1998 to 2002, if the review of student financing results in a significantly decreased debt burden for students starting their courses after 2003.

Margaret Hodge: No decision has been taken on the outcome of the student funding review. It is not usual practice, however, for the Government to apply any policy changes retrospectively.

School Transport

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when the study of post-16 school transport arrangements was completed; what indications it gave as to the number of education authorities which charge for transport to school for 16 to 19-year-olds; and what action she has taken as a result of the study.

Ivan Lewis: The fieldwork for the study into post-16 transport support was completed in November 2001. We are awaiting the consultants' report. Their initial findings suggest that most LEAs charge for transport for students aged 16 and over, although free transport remains available to some, e.g. students assessed as disabled. Charges for transport vary between LEAs.
	In order to make improvements to transport support for students aged 16 to 19, we have introduced a clause in the current Education Bill to revise section 509 of the 1996 Education Act and clarify the duty on LEAs so that they work with the local LSCs, colleges and others, in developing and delivering policies for support.
	We are also making 9 million available to LEAs in 200203 to help them to develop and test the best approaches to transport support. Information about these developments will reach LEAs in February 2002.

Deregulation

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what deregulatory measures have been taken by the DFEE and the DFES in each of the last five years.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 25 January 2002
	The information required is not held centrally, and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Government will very shortly be publishing their Regulatory Reform Action Plan, which includes some deregulatory measures as well as proposals for better regulation and reform.

Coalfield Areas

Jeff Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to extend education maintenance allowances to each English coalfield area.

Ivan Lewis: We have no such plans at present. We will be taking decisions on any future extension of the scheme on the basis of the rigorous evaluation, which is currently being conducted.

Golden Jubilee

Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans there are to give school children a commemorative mug to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Ivan Lewis: We have no plans to give school children a commemorative Jubilee mug. However, as I have commented in previous answers to such questions, the Department is involved in a range of projects to mark Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee. Last October, we announced jointly with Buckingham Palace a national poetry competition and in December, my colleague the Secretary of State for Education and Skills announced that the National Training Awards 2002 would include a special Jubilee category to mark exceptionally effective contributions to the community by individuals and organisations.
	My Department will shortly be posting information for schools and others about its various Jubilee activities on its website.

School Closures

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) primary and (b) secondary schools have closed since 1997.

Stephen Timms: Schools that closed in England during the period 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2001 were as follows:
	(a) Primary924
	(b) Secondary197.
	The figures include schools that have closed owing to the amalgamation or merger of two or more schools, and schools that have closed in local education authorities that have moved from a three-tier system to a two-tier system.

School Pupils (Extended Holidays)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what (a) legislation and (b) guidance requires a head teacher to take off a school's roll pupils taking extended holidays outside the United Kingdom; and what time limits apply to a head teacher keeping open a place for such pupils.

Stephen Timms: The Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 1995 outline the circumstances under which a head teacher shall remove a pupil from the school roll. Social Inclusion: Pupil Support circular number 10/99 Annexe A provides guidance on holidays during term time.

Examination Boards

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent communications she has had from (a) the Edexcel examination board and (b) the QCA about (i) that board's history A-level (syllabus code 9267) marking in 2001, (ii) that board's handling of parents' and examinees' complaints about examination marking and administration and (iii) that board's handling of schools' complaints about examination marking and administration.

Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no communications from Edexcel or QCA about History A-level (syllabus code 9267) marking in 2001. The QCA is responsible for maintaining all awarding bodies' performance in the delivery of examinations. The authority will be publishing its audit of Edexcel's performance in the delivery of general qualifications in 2001 in the near future.

Examination Boards

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many complaints and appeals were lodged with the Edexcel examinations board relating to the A-level history (syllabus code 9267) examination in each of the last five years.

Ivan Lewis: I am advised that the number of complaints and appeals lodged with Edexcel relating to the A-level history (syllabus code 9267) in each of the last five years was as follows.
	
		
			 Year Number 
		
		
			 Complaints  
			 1997 5 
			 1998 2 
			 1999 8 
			 2000 9 
			 2001 6 
			   
			 Appeals  
			 Stage 1 inquiries  
			 1997 (34) 
			 1998 6 
			 1999 8 
			 2000 3 
			 2001 6 
			   
			 Stage 2 appeals hearings  
			 1997 0 
			 1998 (35)1 
			 1999 0 
			 2000 (35)1 
			 2001 (36)1 
		
	
	(34) No information.
	(35) Not upheld
	(36) Pending
	Source:
	These figures have been provided by the Edexcel Foundation

Examination Boards

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what performance targets she sets and performance standards she expects of examination boards; when they were last reviewed; and what monitoring procedures are in place.

Ivan Lewis: The Government introduced statutory arrangements in 1997 to regulate external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Details of how the regulatory authorities ensure quality and consistent standards are contained in the document: Arrangements for the statutory regulation of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (published 2000).
	Awarding body procedures are governed by codes of practice, issued by the regulatory authorities. General codes of practice are supplemented by codes for each qualification type. All are reviewed regularly.
	To support further improvements in awarding body performance, the regulatory authorities plan to publish specific performance targets, building on proposals in the Curriculum 2000 review report.
	The regulatory authorities' regular monitoring of awarding bodies includes: audits of their management and systems of quality assurance and control; detailed scrutinies of individual subjects and the way these are managed; and an extensive programme to monitor compliance with the codes of practice.

Examination Boards

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average time taken by each examination board to handle appeals and requests for re-marking was in the last 12 months.

Ivan Lewis: The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has set targets for the awarding bodies to meet all requests for remarking and appeals and QCA monitors annually the awarding bodies' performance against the targets. The data for 2001 are not available at this stage, as the remarking and appeals process is not yet complete.

FE Colleges

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the implications for FE colleges of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

John Healey: The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 exempted educational institutions from its provisions. The DDA was amended by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001 to include all FE sector colleges within its provisions.
	The Government intend to implement the new duties in three stages:
	From 1 September 2002 it will be unlawful for FE colleges to discriminate against disabled students by treating them less favourably than others. In addition, FE colleges will have a duty to provide reasonable adjustments to provision where disabled students might otherwise be substantially disadvantaged.
	From 1 September 2003 FE colleges will have a duty to make adjustments involving the provision of auxiliary aids and services.
	From 1 September 2005 FE colleges will have a duty to make adjustments to physical features of premises where these put disabled students at a substantial disadvantage.
	Colleges will be supported in implementing the new duties by additional funding, guidance and support made available through the Disability Rights Commission, the Learning and Skills Council, and the Department for Education and Skills. 66 million has been allocated over the years 200204.

FE Colleges

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to change the proportion of own resources further education colleges have to find for large capital projects.

John Healey: Funding for large further education capital projects is provided by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and it is a matter for the LSC what percentage of the cost of a project has to be found by the college itself.
	The percentage varies according to the circumstances and type of application which the college makes to the LSC and in some instances colleges are not required to use any of their own resources.

FE Colleges

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will review the levels of auditing and evaluation to which FE is subject to.

John Healey: The Department is committed to reducing the burdens faced by the FE sector. In consultation with the Department for Education and Skills, the Learning and Skills Council is reviewing the audit burden on FE colleges and the LSC is drawing up measures to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy. John Harwood, Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Council, recently announced the setting up of a task force headed by Sir George Sweeney, Principal of Knowsley college, to carry out a national inquiry into bureaucracy in colleges. However, while looking to reduce the burden on FE sector, it is vital to ensure that the interests of learners and of taxpayers in the FE budget, worth more than 4 billion, are protected and that proper and effective systems audit and control are in place. In addition, the Department is currently working to reduce the number of funding lines for FE sector for next year, including a radical simplification of the Standards Fund. This will enable the LSC to simplify its own approach to funding colleges.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on how schools are marking Holocaust Memorial Day.

Ivan Lewis: The Home Office is the Government Department with responsibility for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2002. It is working with a number of Government Departments and organisations on the preparations for the day. The Department for Education and Skills is a strong supporter of the day.
	This Department produced an education pack for all schools to support last year's Holocaust Memorial Day. Nearly 40,000 packs were sent out. New resources for schools to commemorate the day in 2002 have been developed which compliment last year's education pack. This year's resourcesin the form of 12 flashcardsreflect the theme of Britain and the Holocaust. The cards highlight case studies of individuals affected by the Holocaust. Schools will be using this material in assemblies, in the classroom, and through exhibitions for their schools and their communities.
	The resources have been produced by an education working group of experts on the Holocaust, racism, and education, from bodies such as the Wiener Library, the Imperial War Museum, the Holocaust Education Trust and the London Jewish Culture Centre. I am grateful for their continued support and dedication to this work.

HEALTH

Performance Ratings

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on NHS trusts given a zero star rating in the 200001 NHS performance ratings.

Alan Milburn: I shall be making an announcement shortly.

Hospital Waiting Lists (Essex)

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list each month since March 1997 when in-patient waiting lists in the mid Essex hospital trust area have been lower than in March 1997.

John Hutton: The number of patients waiting at mid Essex hospital services NHS trust increased from 5,835 in March 1996 to 8,391 at the quarter ending March 1997. The waiting list has been higher than this each quarter or month since that period. At the end of November 2001, (the most recent data available) the number of patients on the waiting list was 8,787. This is 396 greater than March 1997 but 3,047 lower than the highest peak in the waiting list at June 1998.

Hospital Waiting Lists (Essex)

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects in-patient waiting lists in the mid Essex hospital trust area to fall below the level of March 1997.

John Hutton: Mid Essex hospital services national health service trust achieved its waiting list targets for 200001 and is well on target to achieve its targets for the end of March 2002.
	The trust has been following Government guidelines to reduce the length of wait of those on the waiting list and has robust delivery plans in place to treat patients waiting over 15 months by the end of March 2002.

Long-term Care

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the number of pensioners in resident nursing homes receiving expense allowances of 16.05 or less in (a) Great Britain and (b) south Gloucestershire.

Jacqui Smith: These data are not held centrally but, with a small number of exceptions, all council-supported residents in care homes are entitled to the personal expenses allowance.
	On 31 March 2001, 65,482 people were supported by councils in nursing homes in England, and 379 people were supported in nursing homes by South Gloucestershire council. The figures for Scotland and Wales are the responsibility of the devolved Administrations.

Long-term Care

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in (a) residential and (b) nursing home care (i) were self-funders, (ii) paid a proportion of the cost toward their care and (iii) had all their costs paid for by the state in each of the last five years.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 8 January 2002
	The number of people who are resident in residential care homes and paying for their own care is not collected centrally. A survey conducted in June 2001 estimated that around 42,700 residents in general and mental nursing homes were paying wholly for their own care.
	Information is not available separately for those who paid a proportion of the cost toward their care and those who had all their costs paid for by the state. Information on the numbers of people in residential and nursing care homes who had all or part of their costs paid for by councils with social services responsibilities is given in the following table.
	
		Residents in residential and nursing care homes supported by councils with social services responsibilities(37), -- England, as at 31 March (rounded numbers)
		
			  Year Supported residents in residential care homes Supported residents in nursing homes 
		
		
			 1997 170,300 66,100 
			 1998 176,500 72,900 
			 1999 181,200 73,500 
			 2000 185,200 73,900 
			 2001 183,500 71,800 
		
	
	(37) A supported resident is a resident whose fees are paid in part or in full by a council with social services responsibility
	Source:
	Department of Health return SR1

Long-term Care

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on changes in bed numbers in the care home sector in Worcestershire since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The information is in the following table:
	
		The number of places in residential care homes and the number of registered nursing beds in the Hereford and Worcester(38) area between 1997 and 2001
		
			 At 31 March Number of places Number of registered beds(39) 
		
		
			 1997(40) 5,552 3,383 
			 1998 5,413 3,654 
			 1999 5,543 3,980 
			 2000 5,392 3,526 
			 2001 5,080 3,365 
		
	
	(38) Registered beds in general and mental nursing homes, hospitals and clinics. Information is presented on nursing beds for the two health authorities of Herefordshire and Worcestershire (equating to the former local authority district of Hereford and Worcester).
	(39) Information is presented for the former local authority district of Hereford and Worcester to ensure details of residential places given in the table are on consistent boundaries. (At 1 April 1998 the unitary authority of Herefordshire and the shire county area of Worcestershire were created).
	(40) Information for registered nursing beds for 1997 relates to the period 1 October 1996 to 31 March 1997.
	Source:
	Department of Health annual returns
	We are aware of concerns about capacity problems in the care home sector. On 9 October we published Building Capacity and Partnership in Care. This sets out clear policy objectives to improve the planning and commissioning of services in partnership with the independent sector, in a way which will see standards rise within a better range of services. This will benefit service users and allow better discharge planning.
	I am advised that Worcestershire county council's allocation of 713,000 from the Government's Cash for Change initiative will be used to fund additional residential and nursing home placements, a home care discharge scheme and one off payments to support independent sector homes cost pressures.

Long-term Care

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 2002, Official Report, column 379W, on residential nursing home beds, how many residential and nursing home beds were available, broken down by (a) constituency, (b) health authority and (c) region in (i) 1997 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available.

Jacqui Smith: Information on residential and nursing homes is not available at constituency level. Information on residential care homes is collected at local authority level, while information on nursing care homes is collected at health authority level. The number of residential care beds cannot be shown at health authority level due to inconsistent geographical boundaries. My reply of 8 January 2002, Official Report, columns 65658W, gives the number of residential care home beds for each local authority and the number of nursing care home beds for each health authority at 31 March 1997 and 31 March 2001. Information on the total number of residential and nursing care home beds at 31 March 1997 and 31 March 2001 by national health service region is shown in the table.
	
		Number of residential and nursing care home beds in England by NHS region -- At 31 MarchRounded numbers
		
			 NHS regions (i) 1997 (ii) 2001 
		
		
			  Residential care home beds 
			 England 338,100 341,200 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 42,900 45,300 
			 Trent 33,700 37,200 
			 West Midlands 33,000 32,100 
			 North-west 47,700 49,800 
			 Eastern 32,900 35,400 
			 London 30,100 29,300 
			 South-east 70,100 67,300 
			 South-west 47,600 44,800 
			
			  Nursing care home beds 
			 England 197,500 186,800 
			 Northern and Yorkshire 28,600 27,000 
			 Trent 23,600 20,100 
			 West Midlands 19,600 20,000 
			 North-west 35,500 31,500 
			 Eastern 16,900 14,800 
			 London 15,400 18,100 
			 South-east 31,700 31,400 
			 South-west 26,200 24,100 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health's annual returns

Correspondence

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 2002, Official Report, column 545W, on correspondence, when he transferred the letter referred to to the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Jacqui Smith: On 17 January.

Meat Hygiene Service

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the numbers of meat hygiene service staff available in abattoirs in the south- west.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 3 December 2001
	The number of meat hygiene service (MHS) staff employed in licensed premises and therefore qualified to work in abattoirs in the south-west (defined as covering the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire), as at the end of December 2001, was as follows:
	
		
			 Grade  Number 
		
		
			 Official Veterinary Surgeon (employed) 1 
			 Senior Poultry/Meat Hygiene Inspector 14 
			 Poultry/Meat Hygiene Inspector 132 
			 Meat Technician 40 
			 Cleansing and Disinfection Supervisor (FMD Controls) 11 
			  
			 Total 198 
		
	
	The MHS also contracts the services of 89 full-time equivalent official veterinary surgeons within the south- west. In addition, four veterinary surgeons along with a varying number of Meat and Livestock Commission staff currently fill MHS vacancies in over-thirty-months scheme plants.

CJD

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the relevant data available to his Department which have not been made available to the CJD Incidents Panel.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 15 November 2001
	The chairman of the CJD Incidents Panel requested in writing a copy of the report on standards of decontamination in England and Wales. He has also requested the results of the subsequent comprehensive survey of decontamination standards.
	A preliminary survey of some hospitals and other health premises carried out last year informed the Department that there was considerable variation of decontamination standards in the national health service. It demonstrated the need to invest in sterile services and for a comprehensive look at standards. As a result, a full survey started in October 2000 and a 200 million investment programme was announced in January 2001 to improve decontamination within the NHS over the next two years. A report on the findings of the surveys, including the snapshot survey, was published on 11 December 2001.

CJD

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if it was his intention, when commissioning the study by Dr. David Hurrell on hospital sterilisation procedures, to publish its findings;
	(2)  for what reason the CJD Incidents Panel did not receive a copy of the interim and final report from Dr. Hurrell;
	(3)  if he will publish the study by Dr. David Hurrell on hospital sterilisation procedures that reported to him in June 2000.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 15 November 2001
	The survey was a snapshot of a small number of hospitals and other health premises and was not commissioned with a view to publication. It was prepared for specific purposes, one of which was to set in train further workincluding deciding whether a full survey was needed. It told us that there was considerable variation of decontamination in the national health service and it demonstrated the need to invest in sterile services. Hence the announcement of the start of the full survey in October 2000 and the commitment to a 200 million investment programme in January 2001. We have published the results of this full national survey today.
	Mr. Hurrell was technical co-ordinator for the snapshot survey, acted as lead assessor for some of the visits and helped to analyse the information collected. Although he contributed to the production of the interim and final reports, he did not write either of them.

CJD

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will publish the letter of the 28 September from the Head of NHS estates to Dr. Hurrell;
	(2)  if he will publish correspondence between the Chief Executive of NHS estates and Dr. David Hurrell concerning CJD in hospitals.

Yvette Cooper: The correspondencebetween an official in national health service estates and an external consultantwas sent during an early phase of the systematic work we have undertaken to raise the standard of decontamination across the NHS. A full set of the papers describing the programme of work that extended over many months was made public on 11 December. These show that no hospital is assessed as being below standard. The text of the letter dated 26 September 2000 from Kate Priestley, chief executive of NHS estates to David Hurrell is set out:
	Dear Colleague
	Re: Confidentiality requirementsDecontamination review
	You will be aware of the strict confidentiality approach, which has been continuously applied during the original national survey work and the subsequent report drafting process regarding surgical instrument decontamination and sterilisation.
	In light of the somewhat negative outcome recorded by the visiting assessors at the majority of clinical centres there is a need to ensure, at the express request of Ministers, that the final version and earlier draft reports remain strictly confidential.
	Excellent progress in terms of planning for the implementation of the conclusions and recommendations of the report is being made. However, this position and the benefits derived from it, in healthcare terms, may be compromised if the findings of the report were to enter the public domain in an inappropriate or unauthorised fashion.
	In light of the above we are reinforcing the need for confidentiality and ask that all members of the team return all report drafts as these are no longer needed. In the case of electronic copies would you please undertake to destroy these and to check that no relevant files remain on your system. Please ensure that this request is complied with promptly and confirm the destruction of electronic files by letter to the co-ordinator, Darryn Kerr.
	Thanking you for your co-operation in this and many other aspects of the work.

Schizophrenia

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people living in the community with schizophrenia are on long-term medication.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not available centrally. In 2000, 219,000 prescription items were dispensed in the community in England for antipsychotic depot injections.

Social Services Websites

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of preparing and producing the new Social Work and Social Care website.

Jacqui Smith: The cost of preparing and producing the Social Work and Social Care website including site maintenance until October 2002, is 49,358. The website has attracted over 11,000 visitors to the site since its inception on 19 October 2001.

Strategic Health Authorities

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how he will ensure that chief executives designate of the new strategic health authorities involve local communities and primary care trusts in the development of franchise plans.

John Hutton: In developing three year franchise plans chief executives of strategic health authorities will be required to reflect the plans and targets of local primary care trusts, and to demonstrate how the health authority will ensure local community involvement.
	Plans will be based on a specification issued by the Department. All strategic health authorities will be required to meet the specification.

Hearing Aid Services Project

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health from what date the Hillingdon/Harrow health trust will be included in the modernising NHS Hearing Aid Services Project.

Jacqui Smith: I announced on 24 December 2001 that a further 20 million would be made available in 200203 so that a further 30 national health service sites can join the modernising hearing aids project during that year. Decisions on which sites will become involved in the project next year will be made shortly.

Ashworth Hospital

Eric Illsley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of assault by members of staff at Ashworth hospital on (a) patients of Ashworth hospital, (b) visitors to Ashworth hospital and (c) members of the public were reported each of the last three years.

Jacqui Smith: Recorded allegations of assault on patients, visitors and members of the public, by members of staff at Ashworth hospital, for each of the last three years are as listed:
	On patients
	199910
	200014
	200110
	On visitors
	1999none
	2000none
	2001one
	On members of the public
	1999none
	2000none
	2001none.
	Ashworth hospital treats all allegations very seriously. An investigation was undertaken into each of these allegations, but none were substantiated.

Private Finance Initiative

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of PFI contracts made by his Department where an amount in excess of 90 per cent. of the capital value of the asset is recouped by the lessor out of the capital element of lease payments over the lifetime of the contract concerned; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The Department does not calculate or collect data on this basis.
	The balance sheet treatment of private finance initiative schemes is determined by guidance developed by Her Majesty's Treasury (Technical Note 1) and the Accounting Standards Board (FRS5), which was issued in 1998. Neither of these refer to or rely on the numeric test referred to in the question.
	A small number of early national health service PFI schemes (total approximately 250 million) have been classed as on balance sheet. These schemes reached financial closure before 1998. Although they were classed as off-balance sheet under the tests in force at the time, they were reassessed following the issue of the 1998 guidance and re-classified as being on balance sheet. The test in force prior to 1998 relied on estimates of the variability of shareholders' return, not estimates of payments recouped by lessors.

General Practitioners (Essex)

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner vacancies there are in (a) Tendring primary care trust and (b) Colchester PCT.

John Hutton: There are five general practitioner vacancies within Tendring primary care trust. Three vacancies are in the process of being advertised and the fourth vacancy will be advertised after 1 April 2002. The remaining vacancy is the subject of discussions which are currently taking place between Tendring PCT and the surgery.
	There are two general practitioner vacancies in Colchester primary care trust both of which are in the process of being recruited to.
	In all cases interim cover is being provided by locum or salaried general practitioners.

Age Discrimination

Candy Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what plans he has to address barriers to effective implementation of Government policy on age discrimination;
	(2)  if he will implement the recommendations in the King's Fund report on anti-age discrimination policies;
	(3)  what recent assessment he has made of the extent of ageism in the health and social services.

Jacqui Smith: The National Service Framework for Older People, published in March 2001, sets the elimination of age discrimination in accessing national health service or social care as a priority. To help achieve this, it provides a programme of actions and milestones to be achieved over the next 10 years. Much work has already been undertaken that will underpin the development of this programme. This includes:
	Older people and their representative organisations have been included within the national service framework's national and local implementation structure, giving them a voice in prioritising and planning.
	Detailed guidance on the development of a single assessment process across health and social care, that focuses on identifying and meeting the needs of each individual, was issued for consultation on 16 August 2001, and the final version will be published shortly.
	Audits of age-related policy in the NHS, as required by the NSF October 2001 milestone have been undertaken. Detailed information on the audits has been provided by over three-quarters of the NHS organisations involved. An initial analysis of returns on the audits undertaken in the NHS shows that age discrimination is not endemic in the health service's written policies, but rather reflects the varying local development of policy and practice. The audit provides for the development of local plans to review and tackle any age-discriminatory written policies found by April 2002 and will inform the development of a national approach to benchmark a range of services or treatments important in the care of older people.
	Detailed guidance on Fair Access to Care Services, covering a full review of adult social care eligibility criteria, was issued for consultation on 20 July 2001, and the final version will be published shortly.
	The detail and recommendations of the King's Fund report, Old habits Die HardTackling age discrimination in health and social care is a welcomed addition to our knowledge of age discrimination in health and social care.

Children's Rights Director

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Health further to his answer of 1 May 2001, Official Report, column 575W, on the Children's Rights Director, what the terms of reference are of the position of Children's Rights Director; what responsibility the director will have for liaison with persons or bodies carrying out similar or equivalent functions within the devolved institutions; what responsibility the director will have for assisting in the preparation of the UK report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child; who will have the lead role in its preparation; and what progress has been made in the appointment of a director.

Jacqui Smith: Roger Morgan has been appointed as Children's Rights Director at the National Care Standards Commission. Draft regulations setting out the proposed functions of the Children's Rights Director were published for consultation on 17 January 2002. The Children and Young People's Unit have the lead role in the preparation of the United Kingdom report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Carers

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further action he is taking to help carers.

Jacqui Smith: We are increasing the carers grant to 85 million in 200203 and to 100 million in 200304 to ensure that more carers are able to receive breaks. We are developing guidance on voucher schemes for short term breaks in consultation with external stakeholders so that the remaining provisions of the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 can be commenced in April this year. We are also revising the hospital discharge workbook, which will help national health service staff to support carers.

Neurological Conditions

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made with preparing the National Service Framework for neurological conditions; and if he will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Good progress has been made on preparatory work for the National Service Framework (NSF). The Department has held a number of meetings with a range of voluntary and professional groups, patients and users to hear their views and received many written submissions. A scoping event was held on 12 November at which some of the key generic issues the NSF should address were identified.

Pulmonary Illnesses

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many pulmonary rehabilitation centres there are in England and Wales;
	(2)  what his policy is on the provision of pulmonary rehabilitation centres within the NHS.

Jacqui Smith: Information on local service configuration in England, such as the number of pulmonary rehabilitation services, is not collected centrally. We are aware that provision of pulmonary rehabilitation is a service increasingly offered by local departments of respiratory medicine.
	It is a decision for health authorities, in partnership with primary care groups/trusts and other local stakeholders, to assess the health needs of their populations, including those needing pulmonary rehabilitation, and to commission services to meet those needs.

Pulmonary Illnesses

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the training of specialist respiratory nurses and physiotherapists.

John Hutton: Maintaining and extending the skills, potential and careers of national health service staff taking into account service developments and patient need in health and social care is a fundamental part of the NHS Plan and the Framework for Lifelong Learning for the NHS, Working TogetherLearning Together. Copies of these are available in the House of Commons Library.
	Training in many specialist areas takes place after registration and there are courses available for respiratory training for both qualified nurses and physiotherapists. Decisions on post-registration training are taken by individual practitioners and local NHS organisations in the light of local needs, and these will be better informed by National Service Framework and NHS Plan priorities.

Statistics

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to allow continuous statistical comparisons to be made between (a) existing health authorities, (b) new primary care trusts and (c) strategic health authorities.

John Hutton: Information needsincluding the continuity of datain the light of the current reorganisation are currently being considered. Routine statistics published at the level of individual national health service bodies will reflect the new organisational structures, but mapping to older units will be available where practicable and on request.
	From later this year primary care trusts will be taking on the majority of functions of existing health authorities and will be the focal point locally for improving the health of the community, securing high quality services and integrating health and social care locally. Data at this level will therefore be the main priority.

Cancer

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the age standardised mortality rates for all cancers for men and women in each health authority in England were in each year since 1995.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Trends in mortality from all malignant neoplasms (ICD9 140208): Indirectly standardised ratios (SMR)1989 to 1999 annually, all ages(41)
		
			Males  
			1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 
		
		
			 O00 England SMR 105 105 104 103 100 98 96 95 92 91 88 
			   
			 QDD Bradford SMR 107 107 117 112 98 102 100 87 95 101 93 
			 QDE County Durham SMR 116 121 112 113 117 111 107 113 110 105 103 
			 QDF East Riding SMR 116 118 106 101 105 108 101 106 95 100 98 
			 QDG Gateshead and South Tyneside SMR 149 137 132 131 131 126 123 129 112 119 111 
			 QDH Leeds SMR 115 112 106 102 104 101 96 101 94 93 102 
			 QDJ Newcastle and North Tyneside SMR 129 131 130 127 128 121 113 122 109 116 112 
			 QDK North Cumbria SMR 113 109 106 104 99 105 101 108 85 95 87 
			 QDM Northumberland SMR 106 102 101 109 103 98 104 106 105 104 94 
			 QDN Sunderland SMR 132 129 132 129 116 124 114 119 110 120 106 
			 QDP Tees SMR 126 138 118 128 124 125 122 111 116 114 104 
			 QDQ Wakefield SMR 115 110 118 114 107 109 107 105 100 100 90 
			 QDR North Yorkshire SMR 94 96 92 92 94 89 85 82 84 81 78 
			 QDT Calderdale and Kirklees SMR 108 103 110 107 101 96 94 94 95 98 92 
			 QCG Barnsley SMR 110 112 111 115 114 109 106 106 96 104 99 
			 QCH North Derbyshire SMR 103 103 105 106 106 102 105 96 86 90 87 
			 QCJ South Derbyshire SMR 110 99 109 103 100 98 91 90 95 91 86 
			 QCK Doncaster SMR 102 114 103 109 119 102 113 111 103 99 101 
			 QCL Leicestershire SMR 104 97 93 90 90 88 83 86 82 80 81 
			 QCM Lincolnshire SMR 102 100 99 97 100 93 91 94 85 88 85 
			 QCN North Nottinghamshire SMR 109 109 102 111 108 98 102 97 96 102 92 
			 QCP Nottingham SMR 111 99 101 102 107 102 99 97 100 94 92 
			 QCQ Rotherham SMR 126 102 116 114 100 112 106 90 99 95 103 
			 QCR Sheffield SMR 117 113 113 115 116 107 103 105 110 101 94 
			 QDL South Humber SMR 106 117 120 104 91 99 112 103 104 102 100 
			 QD9 Birmingham SMR 113 117 112 111 109 106 100 98 95 99 92 
			 QEA Coventry SMR 117 117 109 111 94 96 95 93 88 91 94 
			 QEC Dudley SMR 108 112 107 105 107 104 102 90 93 100 94 
			 QED Herefordshire SMR 113 88 96 97 97 85 88 83 92 78 79 
			 QEE Sandwell SMR 124 119 118 129 110 117 110 110 106 116 104 
			 QEF Shropshire SMR 93 106 97 101 102 93 94 98 89 94 87 
			 QEG Solihull SMR 106 100 98 94 96 89 95 80 87 93 74 
			 QEH North Staffordshire SMR 113 120 124 114 109 111 108 114 104 101 97 
			 QEJ South Staffordshire SMR 110 109 106 104 102 96 100 96 90 94 83 
			 QEK Walsall SMR 118 118 115 107 109 105 109 94 100 97 104 
			 QEL Warwickshire SMR 97 97 100 101 99 94 97 91 88 84 85 
			 QEM Wolverhampton SMR 111 105 114 114 120 117 96 99 103 104 100 
			 QEN Worcestershire SMR 90 95 101 96 87 91 89 88 87 85 77 
			 QC1 South Lancashire SMR 101 97 108 99 100 88 98 95 97 79 93 
			 QC2 Liverpool SMR 132 129 135 133 132 130 126 134 124 113 117 
			 QC3 Manchester SMR 142 129 136 129 123 130 122 117 122 125 115 
			 QC4 Morecambe Bay SMR 118 103 102 110 103 93 95 94 92 84 87 
			 QC5 St. Helens and Knowsley SMR 126 124 125 118 119 122 125 117 115 111 109 
			 QC6 Salford and Trafford SMR 119 123 122 122 113 115 104 113 107 102 99 
			 QC7 Sefton SMR 119 106 120 108 118 110 111 103 98 95 98 
			 QC8 Stockport SMR 121 105 107 113 103 89 92 94 90 92 87 
			 QC9 West Pennine SMR 119 123 119 114 108 118 111 110 108 109 97 
			 QCT Bury and Rochdale SMR 111 106 116 108 107 100 108 97 96 101 102 
			 QCV North Cheshire SMR 115 116 124 114 113 112 107 115 106 110 101 
			 QCW South Cheshire SMR 102 106 101 100 99 93 93 93 89 91 84 
			 QCX East Lancashire SMR 106 101 110 108 106 99 98 97 101 99 96 
			 QCY North West Lancashire SMR 100 106 98 101 104 102 102 94 90 93 95 
			 QDA Wigan and Bolton SMR 111 115 115 104 103 104 105 100 97 98 104 
			 QDC Wirral SMR 109 122 118 120 102 102 115 104 95 100 98 
			 QA6 Bedfordshire SMR 101 101 95 99 93 95 89 92 90 82 86 
			 QAX North Essex SMR 90 103 93 90 95 95 90 89 82 86 83 
			 QAY South Essex SMR 101 101 100 111 101 96 99 97 91 90 90 
			 QCF Suffolk SMR 100 91 97 92 88 90 87 87 83 78 78 
			 QEP East and North Hertfordshire SMR 96 99 97 99 97 88 87 82 86 88 83 
			 QEQ West Hertfordshire SMR 96 106 93 88 92 90 78 85 84 78 80 
			 QER Cambridgeshire SMR 101 95 94 92 92 92 83 88 83 83 73 
			 QET Norfolk SMR 95 98 90 95 88 88 90 89 80 83 82 
			 QA2 Hillingdon SMR 105 106 110 106 95 90 88 90 89 85 83 
			 QA3 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminister SMR 103 102 105 102 98 93 93 86 77 81 65 
			 QA4 Enfield and Haringey SMR 106 106 101 97 94 95 90 92 87 85 88 
			 QA5 Redbridge and Waltham Forest SMR 101 100 93 100 85 96 93 85 87 93 82 
			 QAA Bexley and Greenwich SMR 106 113 105 111 102 102 99 101 103 99 93 
			 QAC Bromley SMR 99 99 95 104 91 91 98 91 79 84 82 
			 QAD Croydon SMR 94 89 99 91 89 88 96 89 84 91 90 
			 QAG Kingston and Richmond SMR 87 93 89 95 87 94 97 87 88 82 72 
			 QAH Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham SMR 119 118 117 118 111 112 106 104 100 98 96 
			 QAJ Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth SMR 110 110 110 103 109 95 95 92 96 96 88 
			 QAP Barking and Havering SMR 119 106 120 118 109 107 104 104 101 103 99 
			 QAQ Barnet SMR 91 90 97 82 83 90 76 80 71 80 67 
			 QAR Brent and Harrow SMR 91 91 97 90 87 84 84 79 84 81 74 
			 QAT Camden and Islington SMR 113 119 122 120 111 102 94 99 87 93 92 
			 QAV Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow SMR 105 104 104 100 92 93 90 97 81 92 79 
			 QAW East London and the City SMR 123 122 129 127 118 114 112 103 105 104 101 
			 QA7 Berkshire SMR 103 95 97 95 93 92 88 90 84 83 80 
			 QA8 Buckinghamshire SMR 105 96 101 101 91 92 85 85 76 83 87 
			 QAE East Kent SMR 104 100 99 106 102 101 99 100 100 92 85 
			 QAF West Kent SMR 99 104 106 100 97 101 101 95 88 90 89 
			 QAK East Surrey SMR 95 83 85 88 94 89 83 82 80 84 76 
			 QAL West Surrey SMR 97 98 94 97 86 90 86 85 84 79 77 
			 QAM East Sussex, Brighton and Hove SMR 91 97 98 99 94 88 92 87 87 83 82 
			 QAN West Sussex SMR 94 95 93 94 91 88 90 86 80 82 83 
			 QCC Northamptonshire SMR 108 104 108 97 98 96 103 95 95 93 89 
			 QCE Oxfordshire SMR 91 91 94 96 95 86 87 84 80 83 82 
			 QD1 North and Mid Hampshire SMR 92 92 99 97 93 93 86 85 87 85 74 
			 QD2 Portsmouth and South East Hampshire SMR 109 111 102 101 92 102 95 93 95 94 86 
			 QD3 Southampton and South West Hampshire SMR 107 100 105 101 90 94 96 92 83 87 83 
			 QD4 Isle of Wight SMR 101 99 102 105 100 90 86 88 81 94 75 
			 QD5 Somerset SMR 87 93 88 92 85 93 89 90 87 83 82 
			 QD6 South and West Devon SMR 99 100 93 99 96 98 87 90 92 88 91 
			 QD7 Wiltshire SMR 98 98 96 98 95 88 87 82 82 80 80 
			 QD8 Avon SMR 99 96 100 94 89 90 90 87 88 86 81 
			 QDV Cornwall and Isles of Scilly SMR 90 94 92 94 96 95 91 90 84 81 86 
			 QDW Dorset SMR 86 89 94 91 86 83 91 84 87 82 79 
			 QDX North and East Devon SMR 92 89 96 97 83 83 86 84 80 85 82 
			 QDY Gloucestershire SMR 100 93 83 99 87 87 91 85 82 82 83 
		
	
	
		
			Females  
			1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 
		
		
			 O00 England SMR 105 103 103 103 100 99 98 98 96 95 94 
			   
			 QDD Bradford SMR 108 111 109 101 97 105 101 99 92 102 96 
			 QDE County Durham SMR 113 112 115 105 107 105 105 116 98 105 100 
			 QDF East Riding SMR 113 104 108 105 104 103 104 105 98 107 93 
			 QDG Gateshead and South Tyneside SMR 119 109 109 116 124 114 109 110 120 114 114 
			 QDH Leeds SMR 111 106 107 105 102 105 107 95 97 100 99 
			 QDJ Newcastle and North Tyneside SMR 128 114 126 118 120 116 120 113 124 105 102 
			 QDK North Cumbria SMR 114 109 112 102 100 96 91 101 100 103 98 
			 QDM Northumberland SMR 111 103 106 101 102 99 104 114 92 103 101 
			 QDN Sunderland SMR 116 127 119 118 123 112 114 105 105 123 110 
			 QDP Tees SMR 120 117 119 121 118 111 110 110 108 108 103 
			 QDQ Wakefield SMR 107 119 120 113 99 108 107 101 106 100 107 
			 QDR North Yorkshire SMR 101 96 95 91 92 90 89 97 87 86 91 
			 QDT Calderdale and Kirklees SMR 107 103 99 99 102 100 99 99 90 93 92 
			 QCG Barnsley SMR 104 101 108 103 104 118 109 108 93 119 104 
			 QCH North Derbyshire SMR 98 104 108 109 102 102 101 108 97 99 88 
			 QCJ South Derbyshire SMR 100 103 109 106 97 100 99 93 91 88 90 
			 QCK Doncaster SMR 120 112 110 110 114 102 106 112 104 105 106 
			 QCL Leicestershire SMR 101 97 94 92 96 97 94 94 90 85 87 
			 QCM Lincolnshire SMR 108 96 102 105 96 95 92 90 91 88 91 
			 QCN North Nottinghamshire SMR 108 98 99 110 103 98 101 97 100 96 86 
			 QCP Nottingham SMR 103 106 104 109 99 99 100 98 95 97 94 
			 QCQ Rotherham SMR 103 103 96 103 106 115 108 111 106 104 86 
			 QCR Sheffield SMR 105 105 108 98 100 106 107 109 110 98 100 
			 QDL South Humber SMR 103 109 111 108 98 101 96 106 103 102 95 
			 QD9 Birmingham SMR 110 101 109 105 98 96 98 102 95 94 94 
			 QEA Coventry SMR 106 100 103 115 100 98 102 97 103 91 94 
			 QEC Dudley SMR 102 106 105 95 96 101 98 91 103 89 94 
			 QED Herefordshire SMR 107 99 103 100 95 102 88 94 85 95 86 
			 QEE Sandwell SMR 111 101 102 107 109 116 106 107 101 98 98 
			 QEF Shropshire SMR 102 96 102 100 93 93 97 95 93 93 94 
			 QEG Solihull SMR 101 104 106 96 98 97 101 103 89 80 88 
			 QEH North Staffordshire SMR 107 112 115 113 111 114 111 95 100 105 104 
			 QEJ South Staffordshire SMR 107 104 102 102 96 103 99 98 90 97 97 
			 QEK Walsall SMR 110 112 105 115 98 107 92 88 97 94 87 
			 QEL Warwickshire SMR 94 99 95 111 99 96 92 109 94 94 85 
			 QEM Wolverhampton SMR 102 100 114 104 93 100 102 99 100 96 96 
			 QEN Worcestershire SMR 100 103 90 100 92 96 94 95 91 83 84 
			 QC1 South Lancashire SMR 105 90 96 103 105 99 92 100 94 86 96 
			 QC2 Liverpool SMR 121 134 125 131 122 122 132 129 128 126 125 
			 QC3 Manchester SMR 123 119 115 119 117 116 120 114 117 112 126 
			 QC4 Morecambe Bay SMR 101 106 104 106 99 96 100 92 90 95 98 
			 QC5 St. Helens and Knowsley SMR 116 115 115 107 123 115 116 108 115 112 108 
			 QC6 Salford and Trafford SMR 120 111 121 111 110 108 112 109 108 102 104 
			 QC7 Sefton SMR 108 96 101 110 110 97 94 112 106 94 112 
			 QC8 Stockport SMR 104 104 103 104 98 104 96 93 101 95 90 
			 QC9 West Pennine SMR 116 122 109 109 113 109 100 109 100 110 106 
			 QCT Bury and Rochdale SMR 108 123 114 107 103 108 110 116 112 101 104 
			 QCV North Cheshire SMR 124 118 119 111 109 106 106 114 102 113 108 
			 QCW South Cheshire SMR 106 100 103 110 92 98 89 95 96 93 94 
			 QCX East Lancashire SMR 104 105 97 111 102 107 100 104 102 102 95 
			 QCY North West Lancashire SMR 108 105 107 95 96 97 96 99 97 93 95 
			 QDA Wigan and Bolton SMR 109 106 111 108 106 104 97 103 95 97 105 
			 QDC Wirral SMR 103 110 110 109 106 110 104 106 106 108 101 
			 QA6 Bedfordshire SMR 107 116 108 100 91 96 88 92 96 90 86 
			 QAX North Essex SMR 103 106 98 97 97 94 97 92 93 95 88 
			 QAY South Essex SMR 103 108 107 103 101 97 106 101 94 92 94 
			 QCF Suffolk SMR 102 100 97 100 92 97 94 90 92 88 83 
			 QEP East and North Hertfordshire SMR 101 107 100 95 99 92 101 91 89 103 94 
			 QEQ West Hertfordshire SMR 110 100 98 98 92 96 100 91 95 94 90 
			 QER Cambridgeshire SMR 98 101 93 97 91 96 89 89 93 90 92 
			 QET Norfolk SMR 97 98 94 93 95 92 95 88 89 92 91 
			 QA2 Hillingdon SMR 106 92 102 105 94 98 96 102 100 99 91 
			 QA3 Kensington, Chelsea and Westminister SMR 106 107 99 103 100 101 94 86 102 83 79 
			 QA4 Enfield and Haringey SMR 101 89 100 100 92 92 93 89 86 87 93 
			 QA5 Redbridge and Waltham Forest SMR 102 101 100 90 89 98 89 91 84 86 93 
			 QAA Bexley and Greenwich SMR 110 114 114 100 104 105 94 97 104 102 99 
			 QAC Bromley SMR 95 102 95 97 96 86 97 101 99 95 89 
			 QAD Croydon SMR 93 101 100 94 99 93 93 105 102 95 86 
			 QAG Kingston and Richmond SMR 88 102 101 95 93 98 91 94 86 95 92 
			 QAH Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham SMR 114 110 108 110 108 103 98 99 107 100 92 
			 QAJ Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth SMR 101 112 102 103 103 102 90 96 96 103 93 
			 QAP Barking and Havering SMR 120 105 111 111 114 107 110 113 95 103 101 
			 QAQ Barnet SMR 104 101 96 101 86 86 89 90 96 96 86 
			 QAR Brent and Harrow SMR 92 93 95 93 96 100 92 97 96 88 78 
			 QAT Camden and Islington SMR 114 107 104 112 103 104 109 96 94 101 93 
			 QAV Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow SMR 104 102 112 105 101 95 100 97 94 90 95 
			 QAW East London and the City SMR 124 113 112 114 123 109 113 102 104 99 100 
			 QA7 Berkshire SMR 99 105 103 103 97 95 92 96 88 92 87 
			 QA8 Buckinghamshire SMR 102 101 95 106 94 99 97 95 92 99 95 
			 QAE East Kent SMR 106 108 105 102 100 104 96 97 94 92 90 
			 QAF West Kent SMR 109 95 102 105 104 102 98 98 102 90 100 
			 QAK East Surrey SMR 100 99 97 97 98 85 83 81 81 85 83 
			 QAL West Surrey SMR 99 93 90 98 95 92 89 96 92 88 88 
			 QAM East Sussex, Brighton and Hove SMR 98 94 94 99 96 100 96 88 95 92 92 
			 QAN West Sussex SMR 101 95 96 98 94 89 94 92 86 87 89 
			 QCC Northamptonshire SMR 107 108 110 102 99 106 99 99 94 101 98 
			 QCE Oxfordshire SMR 100 95 100 96 96 96 93 94 95 94 88 
			 QD1 North and Mid Hampshire SMR 101 92 98 103 92 95 88 92 95 93 93 
			 QD2 Portsmouth and South East Hampshire SMR 100 102 94 104 95 93 91 100 101 97 91 
			 QD3 Southampton and South West Hampshire SMR 102 96 97 93 92 92 95 93 86 88 90 
			 QD4 Isle of Wight SMR 105 96 98 85 97 88 88 89 86 88 91 
			 QD5 Somerset SMR 108 95 95 93 91 92 90 94 85 87 92 
			 QD6 South and West Devon SMR 103 99 100 102 97 100 98 94 90 91 87 
			 QD7 Wiltshire SMR 99 104 95 94 100 92 93 96 95 89 92 
			 QD8 Avon SMR 101 96 96 103 95 88 93 90 94 89 86 
			 QDV Cornwall and Isles of Scilly SMR 98 95 105 103 97 92 95 100 97 91 90 
			 QDW Dorset SMR 100 93 96 94 92 85 93 83 92 88 87 
			 QDX North and East Devon SMR 99 97 96 107 97 87 87 87 92 89 90 
			 QDY Gloucestershire SMR 99 100 97 90 92 95 95 88 88 84 88 
		
	
	(41) Standard rates are age-specific mortality rates in 1993
	Source:
	National Statistics

Electromagnetic Fields

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the letter from the Under-Secretary, the hon. Member of Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper), of 20 December 2001 (ref POH (3)5653/13), what discussions he has had with the NRPB on action to be taken on electromagnetic fields from anti-theft security tagging systems and possible dangers from potential exposures from surveillance equipment.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 22 January 2002
	The use of electronic article surveillance devices has become widespread in use, particularly in shops and stores.
	Publicity has recently been given to a theoretical study of models of people exposed to the magnetic fields from simulated electronic article surveillance devices.
	I am advised by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) that it is theoretically possible, under quite specific conditions, for exposures to approach or potentially exceed the guidelines recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) for members of the public, including children. Limited measurements made by NRPB to date have, in practice, indicated compliance with the guidelines.
	It is important for manufacturers to ensure that, in conditions of use, exposure to magnetic fields from their equipment complies with guidelines. The Department will continue to work closely with other relevant Government Departments and NRPB to ensure that the best available advice is sought on these matters.

MMR Inoculations

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many letters he has received on MMR inoculations from residents of the Buckingham constituency.

Yvette Cooper: Because of a postal address not always being given, the information requested is not available.

NHS Trusts (Foundation Status Applications)

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether NHS trusts seeking foundation status will be permitted to hire the services of management consultants, accountants, valuers and other professions to further their plans.

John Hutton: holding answer 23 January 2002
	National health service trusts already hire the services of management consultants and other professionals. Where necessary trusts seeking foundation status will be able to hire the services of management consultants, accountants, valuers and other professions to further their plans subject to existing standards of probity, value for money and tendering set out in good corporate governance in the NHS.

NHS Trusts (Foundation Status Applications)

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many civil servants he expects will be deployed on assessing applications by NHS trusts for foundation status.

John Hutton: holding answer 23 January 2002
	No estimates have been made of the number of civil servants that will be deployed on assessing applications by national health service trusts for foundation status. Applications will, in the first instance, be reviewed by the chief executives of the new health authorities and, in the light of this, advice will be given to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

Social Workers

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 January 2002, Official Report, column 530W, on social workers, how many social services staff were agency and temporary staff in each year since 1991.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not available centrally.

Health Funding

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 2002, Official Report, column 376W, on health care funding, how much funding for health care per patient there was in all English parliamentary constituencies in the last five years.

John Hutton: Health authorities receive allocations to commission health care for their population. Health authorities for the parliamentary constituencies, and their allocations per weighted head of population and per unweighted head of population between 199798 and 200102 are shown in the tables that have been deposited in the Library.
	It is more meaningful to show health authority allocations per head of population using weighted populations. This is because funding takes into account the relative needs of populations using a weighted capitation formula.

Asylum Seekers

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the additional expenditure incurred by general practitioners who have registered significant numbers of asylum seekers as patients.

John Hutton: holding answer 24 January 2002
	The costs to the national health service incurred by general practitioners in providing services to asylum seekers are not separately identifiable within the financial frameworks for either general or personal medical services.

Physiotherapists

Michael Clapham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that numbers of physiotherapists working in the NHS rises from 15,600 to 24,800 between 2000 and 2009; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: holding answer 25 January 2002
	Our plan to increase the number of physiotherapists working in the national health service by 59 per cent., from 15,600 in 2000 to 24,800 in 2009, was announced in the follow-up document to the NHS Plan, Investment and reform for NHS stafftaking forward the NHS Plan, (published 15 February 2001).
	We will meet this target by a number of measures, including increasing training commissions, a return to practice campaign, promoting flexible, supportive and family friendly policies, and international recruitment.
	For basic grade physiotherapists who have done three years training, their starting salary has increased in cash terms by 36 per cent. since May 1997. This includes the 2002 increase which will be payable from 1 April.
	For graduates who have done four years training, the increase to their starting pay is 32 per cent. in cash terms since May 1997.

Overseas Treatment

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimates he has made of the cost of treating patients sent abroad for treatment until the end of March 2002;
	(2)  if he will publish the estimated costs of the treatment of patients who were sent on 18 January to receive treatment (a) at La Louvire hospital in France and (b) in a private sector hospital in England.

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the total cost to each health authority involved of the package of care for (a) cataract and (b) joint replacement operations per patient treated in (i) the UK under the NHS, (ii) Lille and paid for by the NHS and (iii) private hospitals and paid for by the NHS.

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the total cost of treating NHS patients who were sent for treatment in French hospitals on 18 January broken down by (a) treatment costs paid to French hospitals, (b) other treatment costs, (c) travel costs, (d) non-clinical care costs and (e) other costs; if he will estimate the difference between the total costs of this form of treatment and the standard NHS costs of treatment; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: holding answer 23 and 24 January 2002
	The precise costs of the national health service funded operations purchased in Lille are commercially confidential. The same approach is taken in relation to NHS funded operations in the private sector in the United Kingdom, where we anonymise data before releasing it. Clearly this would be impossible in the present case.
	Direct comparisons of the costs of overseas treatment and NHS costs are not straightforward; for example, prices agreed so far for hip and knee replacements include intensive rehabilitation which would not be included in standard NHS reference costs. In general the prices agreed so far for treatment overseas are in excess of NHS average reference costs but comparable to those in the UK private sector. However, we would expect better prices if and when we commit to larger volumes of patients travelling overseas to individual hospitals.
	1.1 million to fund treatment costs has been made available to the three test bed sites in south-east England who are developing processes for sending patients overseas. Depending on the case mix, this should fund 200 to 300 procedures.
	The primary care group will have to take account for how it spends its share of the public money that it receives as well as how it secures the highest possible standards of care and good value for money.